Suspect charged in bombing of Arizona federal building

The man accused of detonating an improvised explosive device at a Social Security office in Arizona was charged Monday in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, according to several news sources.

Abdullatif Aldosary, a resident of Coolidge, Ariz., was charged with damaging a federal building with explosives and felony weapons possession, according to the Phoenix New Times. The explosion occurred on Nov. 30 at approximately 8:15 a.m. Witnesses said a device was detonated behind the Social Security Administration building in Casa Grande.  

Though no injuries were reported, the FBI said a powerful explosive known as RDX was used in the attack. Phoenix New Times said investigators found a cache of documents in Aldosary’s house that included materials and instructions for making RDX.  Aldosary was arrested on Friday after a witness reported to authorities the license plate number of his Hyundai Elantra, which was seen speeding away from the scene.

Aldosary, 47, is an Iraqi refugee who served time in prison four years ago for aggravated harassment against his employer, according to CBS 5 News in Phoenix.  Aldosary also is currently involved in an “assault and disorderly conduct case in Casa Grande” and is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, the station reported.

On Monday, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., whose congressional office is two blocks from the Social Security building, said he is thankful no one was injured in the blast and law enforcement officials were able to apprehend the suspect.

“It is my expectation that this case will be fully investigated and the full weight of law enforcement brought to bear,” Gosar said in a statement.