Suspect in botched New York car bombing appears in court

THE suspect in a botched car bombing in New York’s Times Square appeared in court on terrorism and weapons charges for the first time since his arrest two weeks ago and was led away in handcuffs after being held without bail.

Faisal Shahzad, a Pakistan-born US citizen, muttered one word at the 10-minute hearing – “yes” – when asked to confirm an affidavit about his financial status, which allowed him to have a public defender appointed.

Shahzad, wearing a grey tracksuit and with his hair a bit longer than in photos splashed around the world, was handcuffed and led out of court after a magistrate read him his rights.

His attorney, Julia Gatto, asked during the hearing if Shahzad could be provided with halal meals, according to Muslim dietary laws that govern how food is prepared.

The federal courtroom had extra officers on hand and was emptied for a security sweep immediately before the hearing.

Shahzad, 30, was arrested on May 3 on a Dubai-bound plane at John F Kennedy International Airport on charges he drove an SUV rigged with a homemade car bomb into Times Square two nights earlier, sending thousands of tourists into a panic on a busy Saturday night. The bomb didn’t explode, and no one was hurt.

Authorities say the former budget analyst who resides in Connecticut had voluntarily waived his rights to an initial court appearance while he was co-operating.

Shahzad didn’t enter a plea to any of the five felony counts against him.