Underwear Bomber unexpectedly changes plea

October 12, 2011

Detroit, Michigan: Today, October 12, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the alleged "Underwear Bomber," changed his plea to guilty just as the first witness of the day was to be called. Abdulmutallab was sworn in by Judge Nancy Edmunds, of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and was told he had the right to remain silent. Abdulmutallab then waived his right and admitted being guilty of all eight of the felony charges brought against him. Abdulmutallab confessed, saying, "I intentionally carried an explosive device" onto the plane, but added that he was doing so in retaliation to the U.S. for the "killing of my brothers and sisters in Muslim lands." Sentencing was then scheduled by Judge Edmunds, after accepting the guilty plea, for January 12, 2012.