Alleged Islamic extremist arrested in Fla.

By TAMARA LUSH, Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities say a 25-year-old described as an Islamic extremist was arrested in a plot to attack sites around Tampa, Fla., after taking possession of disabled guns and bombs.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Sami Osmakac on Monday.

Authorities say Osmakac is a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in the former Yugoslavia. He has been charged with one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. His first appearance in federal court is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

Federal officials say a confidential source told them that Osmakac wanted Al Qaeda flags. The federal complaint alleges Osmakac gave the agent a $500 down payment for an AK-47, multiple homemade explosive grenades and the explosive belt so he could attack various locations in Tampa.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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