Timothy P. O’Donnell

'Osama bin Laden' Was An American Idol Fan

Ryan J. Reilly | January 13, 2012, 5:37AM

"Osama bin Laden" was a fan of American Idol.

At least that's what was suggested by copies of a typed, two-page letter -- purportedly from the al-Qaeda leader -- which started showing up at schools, law enforcement agencies, a medical facility, municipal agencies and private and religious entities in the spring of last year.

The letters demanded that America "neutralize" all its nuclear weapons and arrest unnamed individuals "responsible for unnecessary crimes of War, poverty, and suffering of families in the world" and bring them "to OHare Air Force Base for a live, unedited trial on TV, just like American Idol where people vote to determine results."

FBI officials knew the letters were a hoax from the beginning, but the threats were still a violation of the law. Ten months later, they say they've got their man.

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Topics: Osama bin Laden, Timothy P. O’Donnell

Bomb Threats

'Letters From Osama': Chicago Man Accused Of Mailing Fake Nuclear Bomb Threats Signed By Al-Qaeda Leader

Jillian Rayfield | January 6, 2012, 5:46PM

A Chicago man was charged with mailing fake nuclear bomb threats all around the country and signing them "Osama Bin Laden," according to federal officials.

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Topics: Bomb Threats, Chicago, FBI, Osama bin Laden, Timothy P. O’Donnell