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Moussauoi, a French Moroccan, to Be Charged in September 11th Attacks

Aired December 11, 2001 - 12:27   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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Back in this country, developing news, now, out of Washington. Department of Justice, the Attorney General confirming with CNN, according to senior Department of Justice officials, we are getting word now that a French Moroccan by the name of Zacharias Moussauoi has been indicted. Indicted on multiple conspiracy charges in connection with the attacks of 9-11.

If you remember this gentleman here, that we are putting on the screen, he was arrested back in Minnesota shortly after the events of 9-11. It was believed at that time that Moussauoi may have some sort of connection to possibly taking flight training lessons, or things of that sort in the state of Minnesota, but again, the word we're getting out of Washington, Zacharias Moussauoi has been indicted, a French Moroccan, on multiple conspiracy charges in connection with the events of 9-11.

Susan Candiotti has been at the front of the investigative situation for us for 3 months and running now. Susan, what more do you have for us?

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we anticipate a news conference coming up shortly to talk about this. According to sources that Zacharias Moussauoi is to be charged in the September 11th attacks. To recap, as a you have been doing, Bill, this is a man who came to everyone's attention.

It turns out that he was actually taken into custody the month before the attacks. He was taken into custody after a flight school in Minnesota reported something suspicious about him. They told authorities, and there were two different stories going at the time, that Moussauoi seemed odd to them because he was interested this taking this course, and learning how to fly large jetliners, but not interested in taking off and landing. It turns out, according to the FBI director, that later turned out not to be the case.

However, he was widely believed to be held as one of those being held on material witness warrants at the time. One of a handful of people, and was long thought to be one of those who might be charged in the September 11th attacks. There was also debate as to whether he might have been the 20th hijacker at one time. Later, FBI Director Robert Mueller indicated that he thought someone else would be the 20th hijacker for the September 11th attacks. So, then talk turned to whether Moussauoi might have been involved in future attacks. Now, we hope to learn more about this information.

Apparently, if he is to be charged in the September 11th attacks, perhaps he, therefore, had information about the planning that was going into it. We don't know, but certainly hope to learn more, as the investigation goes on. This being timed, as we all know, very interesting timing, three months after September 11th when this this information is to be made public. And now, the question is whether others would be charged, but if, indeed, he is to be charged, he would be the first one in -- since this investigation began.

HEMMER: Got it. Susan, thank you. And, certainly, what we want to know at this point is what changed in the investigation of Zacharias Moussauoi. We may find out, as you indicate, 1:00 Eastern time in Washington, the attorney general, John Ashcroft. We'll have it live for you when that happens. Susan, thanks.

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