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CNN Live At Daybreak

Reid Similar to Al Qaeda Operative Described in Computer File

Aired January 17, 2002 - 06:07   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: The man accused of trying to bring down an airliner with explosives in his shoes has now been indicted, but as CNN's Susan Candiotti reports, the investigation surrounding Richard Reid is far from over.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Far from the lone wolf terrorist Richard Reid claims to be, authorities say the alleged shoe bomber is actually part of Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist network.

JOHN ASHCROFT, ATTORNEY GENERAL: Reid's indictment alerts us to a clear, unmistakable threat that al Qaeda could attack the United States again.

CANDIOTTI: Charges in a nine-count indictment include: attempting to use an airplane as a weapon of mass destruction, placing explosive devices, shoes, on an aircraft, attempted destruction of a plane, the attempted homicide of U.S. nationals during a transatlantic flight, and the attempted murder of 197 passengers and crew. Five of the counts carry possible life terms.

ASHCROFT: Al Qaeda trained terrorists may act on their own or as part of a terrorist network, but we must assume that they will act.

CANDIOTTI: The government crediting the Wall Street Journal for unearthing information now part of the Reid investigation, information confirmed by CNN.

Computer files left behind in an al Qaeda safe house in Kabul and purchased by the paper describe the travels of one, Abdul Raouf. His movements appear to mirror Richard Reid's and intelligence sources say they appear to be the same person.

Reid traveled to Amsterdam, Israel, Egypt and Pakistan. So did Raouf. On his way to Israel last July, Reid is searched before boarding an El Al flight. So was Raouf. Sources suggest Reid was in Israel scouting potential targets. Raouf does too, the Wall Street Journal reports, photographing popular locations in Israel and Egypt, calling them "exceptionally good opportunities."

Last July in Amsterdam, CNN has learned, Reid received a new British passport, complaining his old one was worn out. Five months later in Brussels, Reid claimed the same problem and was issued another replacement. Raouf did the same thing.

SKIP BRANDON, FORMER FBI COUNTERINTELLIGENCE OFFICIAL: I'm a professional cynic. I don't believe in coincidence. There are an awful lot of things that appear to be coincidence in his travels, where he was, going and getting new passports.

CANDIOTTI: Officials say the new information could lead to additional charges.

(on camera): Reid claims he acted alone. Sources say they don't buy it and they're trying to pin down where the shoe bombs came from, who made them, and who else was involved.

Susan Candiotti, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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