Mastermind (Ramzi Yousef) of 1993 World Trade Center Bombing Convicted- NBC 11/13/1997
Mastermind of World Trade Center Bombing Convicted
SARA JAMES, anchor:
A State Department warning about terrorist violence overseas in the wake of two convictions in New York City. Sentencing is scheduled for early next year for two key figures in the bombing of New York City's World Trade Center. They were convicted on Wednesday, bringing to six the number of people found guilty on charges stemming from the blast. The explosion in 1993 killed six people and injured a thousand others. NBC's Pete Williams has more on the long process of prosecution.
PETE WILLIAMS reporting:
The verdicts all but wrap up the World Trade Center bombing case. One of those convicted, Ramzi Yousef, was accused of masterminding the bombing. Prosecutors said Yousef told the federal agents who captured him that he hoped the bombing would knock down one of the Trade Center towers and kill a quarter of a million people.
Ms. MARY JO WHITE (Federal Prosecutor): It was a brazen, bold statement of terrorism. It was also a vital piece of evidence in this trial.
WILLIAMS: The other man found guilty, Eyad Ismoil, was accused of helping to mix the bomb chemicals and driving the van that carried the bomb. Defense lawyers say they'll appeal.
Mr. LOUIS AIDALA (Defense Attorney): And after the sentencing, I will file a notice of appeal and that it's not all over.
WILLIAMS: This is the second guilty verdict for Ramzi Yousef. He was convicted a year ago of plotting to blow up US passenger jets in the Far East. One man charged in the Trade Center bombing, Abdul Yasin, remains a fugitive. The US is offering a $2 million reward. Wednesday's verdict brings to six the number of convictions in the Trade Center case. Sentencing on these two new convictions will come later. The maximum is life in prison. Pete Williams, NBC News, Washington.