Homegrown Jihadi Couple Pleads Guilty in Terrorism Case

(Anchorage, Alaska) In accordance with an agreement with the prosecution, a married couple, Paul Rockwood Jr., 35, and wife Nadia Rockwood, 36, have pleaded guilty to domestic terrorism, including the creation of an assassination "hit list."


 
Paul (artist's image) and Nadia
If Judge Ralph Beistline accepts the plea agreement, Paul Rockwood will spend eight years in prison and his wife, now pregnant, will return to her UK home and serve five years of probation.

Prosecutors alleged that Paul Rockwood, also known as "Bilal," converted to Islam about a decade ago and began studying the teachings of American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who has professed hatred for the United States and supports acts of terrorism.

According to court documents, Paul Rockwood converted to Islam in late 2001 or 2002, when the couple lived in Virginia.

"After his conversion, and while residing in Virginia, Rockwood became a strict adherent to the violent Jihad-promoting ideology of cleric Anwar al-Awlaki," documents said. "This included a personal conviction that it was his religious responsibility to exact revenge by death on anyone who desecrated Islam."

The hit list reportedly contained 15 names of people who all live outside Alaska. A Department of Justice release indicates Rockwood considered using various explosives, mail bombs and gunshots to assassinate people on the list. It would be enlightening to see that list and learn who the jihadis hate the most.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 23.

Tip: Jane Novak

Companion at TJR.