Alleged ISIS Supporter and Terror Suspect Identified as Former Airport Worker

Terror suspect Abdirizak Warsame worked at Minneapolis airport, according to FBI testimony.

A suspect accused of attempting to join a terrorist network was employed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) for a short time and allegedly claimed commercial aircraft could be brought down while descending for landing. Minneapolis CBS affiliate WCCO-TV reports the new revelations were brought to light during a court hearing against alleged terrorism suspect Abdirizak Warsame.

FBI agent Daniel Higgins made the claims against Warsame during a court hearing on Tuesday. In his testimony, Higgins told the court that Warsame was employed as a baggage handler at MSP for four months in 2014, during which time he made threatening observations against aircraft landing at the airport.

However, a spokesperson for the Minneapolis Metropolitan Airports Commission confirmed that Warsame held a security badge for nearly ten months. Warsame began his employment at the airport working on a de-icing crew, before moving to Swissport as a contracted cargo handler.

According to the FBI agent’s testimony, Warsame was recorded by a government informant saying that aircraft could be attacked while landing at MSP. Warsame allegedly told another suspect he could construct a homemade rocket that could harm the plane during the critical landing phase.

Warsame is one of ten Minnesota men accused of attempting to join ISIS. In addition to the airport claims, FBI agents allege Warsame gave another suspect $200 for a fake passport to leave the United States and enter Syria to join up with the Islamic State.

During cross examination, Higgins conceded that there was no evidence Warsame actually constructed or possessed rockets that could do damage to a commercial aircraft. The suspect will remain in custody as his trial continues.

[Photo: WCCO-TV]