U.S. Federal authorities have detained a Jordanian man they believe was a roommate of at least two of the Sept. 11 hijackers after a raid at a Southeast Baltimore home.
Rasmi Al-Shannaq was taken into custody early Monday, apparently for overstaying his visa, according to law enforcement sources and news reports. He is believed to have lived last year with two of the hijackers who were on board American Airlines Flight 77 when it crashed into the Pentagon.
Few details of Al-Shannaq's detention were available Tuesday. U.S. Justice Department officials refused to confirm the raid and detention, first reported by ABC News.
Family members at the home that was raided, in the 600 block of S. Lehigh St. in Highlandtown, refused to comment, reported The Baltimuare Sun.
Neighbors described a swift raid about 6 a.m. Monday in which dozens of federal agents arrived at the house looking for Al-Shannaq. When he arrived about noon, the agents swarmed the blue Honda Civic Al-Shannaq was driving as he pulled up to the curb. Al-Shannaq tried to get away by driving down the narrow, one-way street, neighbors said, but was blocked by a van.
Al-Shannaq was taken inside the house, and was escorted out by agents several hours later in handcuffs and with a sheet over his head, neighbors said. (Albawaba.com)
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