Federal Reserve bomb plot suspect took classes at SEMO

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Web Editor - Ryan Burkett

Story Created: Thu Oct 18, 2012 6:35 AM

Story Updated: Thu Oct 18, 2012 6:35 AM

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - According to officials at Southeast Missouri State University, Quazi Nafis attended classes during the spring semester of this year.

Nafis was a sophomore, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security.

In July, he requested a transfer to another university, which was granted.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department tells us they have been contacted by the FBI, but are not currently involved in the investigation.

According to a complaint, Nafis went to a warehouse to help assemble a 1,000-pound bomb using inert material.

He then allegedly parked a vehicle with the fake bomb next to the building and attempted to set it off with a cell phone he thought was rigged as a detonator.

Nafis also allegedly sought assurances from an undercover agent posing as an al-Qaeda contact, but it is not known if he actually received training or direction from the group.

Officials say the 21-year-old came to the U.S. on a student visa.

Nafis faces charges of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and trying to provide material support to al -Qaeda.