linked - Investigating the Terror

D—302& (Rev. 11—13-43)
ontinuatiOn of FD-302 of ABDUL BASIT MAHNOUD ABDUL KARIM , On 2/72/8/95, Page 8
O -
not further elaborate on the meeting. He did note that he
subsequently became roommates with SALkMEH.
At one point in the interview, BASIT was asked whether
he knew Sheik
He replied that he became
people speak about him. While
residing with SALANEH, BASIT requested that SALAMEH
introduce him
to RAHMAN, as he was aware that SALAMEH was acquainted with
RAHMAN. SALA}IEH, thereafter, took BASIT to RAHMAN's residence in
Jersey City, where they had dinner and visited for about one
hour. BASIT claimed that he had no other contact with RMMAN,
and also indicated that he had never discussed with RAHMAN his
intentions to target U.S. interests.
When questioned as to why SALYEH had returned to the j
rental agency, following the bombing, to retrieve his $400.00
deposit on the RYDER van, BASIT exclaimed "stupid!"
BASIT stated that he knew that the rental of a van for
use in the bombing was not the optimal choice, due to the fact
that it could be traced; he noted that his first choice, given
sufficient funds, would be to purchase a van. However, due to
lack of money, the rental of a van was considered the next best
- choice.
He had also considered stealing a van, but concluded
that a theft would be "too risky", as if they were caught either
stealing or possessing a-stolen-van, then their entire operation
would be "finished".
When questioned as to whtt license plate was on the van
when it was taken into the WTC, BASIT stated that the original
Alabama license plate was left on the vehicle. He noted that he
considered stealing a different license plate, but thought this
to be risky, as it could be subsequently reported stolen.
BASIT claimed that he had warned SALANEH and others
involved in the plot that they should leave the u.s. immediately
following the bombing their failure to do so indicated to him
that they were "stupid".