Kansas Man Arrested in Foiled Airport Bomb Plot
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Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock(WICHITA, Kan.) — Federal authorities arrested a Kansas man Friday after he attempted to drive an explosives-laden vehicle into Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport.
Terry Loewen, a 58-year-old airport employee believed he was dealing with fellow Muslim extremists who had given him numerous explosives. In actuality, he was working with undercover FBI agents.
U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said the explosives were inert and the device Loewen possessed would never have exploded.
The avionics technician was taken into custody when he attempted to open the airport security gate with his pass to enter the tarmac. Loewen planned to die in the explosion, Grissom said Friday, and was reportedly self-radicalized online, making statements that he was resolved to commit an act of violent jihad against the United States.
Loewen faces three charges: one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, one count of attempting to damage property with explosives, and one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Grissom said the airport perimeter was not breached at the time of the incident, and no citizens or travelers were in any danger.
The FBI does not believe the case is linked to a bigger plot, suspecting a ‘lone wolf’ incident. There is no indication from officials that the Wichita resident was involved with any members of any religious community in the area.
“Even here in the heartland, we must remain vigilant and remember the motto, ‘If you see something, say something,'” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.
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