Maryland Teen Pleads Guilty In ‘Jihad Jane’ Case

Mohammad Hassan Khalid plead guilty today to terrorism charges, admitting that he helped Colleen LaRose, an American woman nicknamed “Jihad Jane,” in her plot to wage a Muslim holy war in Europe.

The NY Daily News reports that Khalid had a bright future in front of him. The honor roll Maryland student had won a full scholarship to John Hopkins University in 2011. But instead of heading to the prestigious university, Khalid will be heading to prison for up to 15 years.

Khalid, who was originally from Pakistan, was arrested last summer.

Defense lawyer Jeffrey M. Lindy said:

“It’s absolutely tragic… Was he feeling lonely after coming from Pakistan? Absolutely. But he was not a loner. He wasn’t the big man on campus, or captain of the football team. But he wasn’t a black trench-coat wearing loner.”

Kahlid met “Jihad Jane” in a chat room in 2005 and agreed to help her in her mission to kill a Swedish artist who had offended Muslims.

Assistant Attorney General Lisa Monaco said:

“Today’s plea, which involved a radicalized teen in Maryland who connected with like-minded individuals around the globe via the Internet, underscores the evolving nature of violent extremism today.”

CBS reports that Khalid and his family are legal immigrants from Pakistan and could be deported after Khalid’s sentencing. A court date has not been set yet for Khalid’s sentencing.

“Jihad Jane” was arrested in 2009 after returning to America from Ireland. She is currently facing life in prison.