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EST 1917

Man arrested in Capitol sting talked of synagogue target

A Moroccan man who allegedly wanted to conduct a suicide bombing attack on the U.S. Capitol had considered attacking a synagogue, according to authorities.

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WASHINGTON (JTA) — A Moroccan man who allegedly wanted to conduct a suicide bombing attack on the U.S. Capitol had considered attacking a synagogue, according to authorities.

Amine El Khalifi was arrested Friday as soon as he accepted a phony suicide vest and a disabled gun from federal agents, according to news reports.

An FBI spokesman would only confirm the arrest. El Khalifi planned to head for the Capitol, but in earlier conversations with undercover operatives, he said he had also considered a federal building in Alexandria, Va., a restaurant and a synagogue.

Officials close to law enforcement told JTA that Khalifi’s plans were never close to being realized, and that there is no imminent danger to any Jewish target.

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