Bombing suspect makes first N.Y. federal court appearance

Ahmad Khan Rahami, suspected in the September bombing campaign in New York and New Jersey, made his first appearance in federal court Thursday where he is charged with four criminal counts, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction.

In the brief session, U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn set a Nov. 23 preliminary hearing for the 28-year-old suspect, accused of planting devices at four locations across the region. One of the pressure-cooker devices detonated in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, injuring 31 people.

Rahami, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Afghanistan, was arrested following a dramatic shootout with Linden, N.J., police two days after the Chelsea explosion. He also faces state attempted murder charges in connection with the police shootout.

A journal allegedly seized from the suspect during his arrest contained both support for al-Qaeda leaders and a chilling declaration: "Inshallah (God willing), the sounds of the bombs will be heard in the streets. Gun shots to your police. Death to your OPPRESSION.''

The suspect was seriously wounded in that exchange of gunfire, requiring extensive medical treatment and a prolonged hospital stay.

"Allegedly driven by a commitment to violent jihad, Rahami planted bombs in the heart of Manhattan and in New Jersey,'' U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Thursday. "For his alleged acts of terror, Rahami will now face justice in a federal courthouse just blocks south of where he allegedly planted his bombs.''