FBI Releases More Details About Franconia Man Connected to Pentagon Package
Yonathan Melaku is currently being held by the U.S. Park Police.
Photos
The FBI has issued a press release about Yonathan Melaku and the suspicious package at the Pentagon.
Melaku, 22, was detained Friday morning when he was found in Arlington Cemetery after it had closed. After questioning Melaku, the FBI searched his backpack and a vehicle, a red 2011 Nissan parked near the Pentagon.
Materials in the backpack were at first thought to be dangerous, but bomb experts determined that the items were non-explosive.
The press release also confirms that Melaku's home in the Franconia area of Alexandria was searched, with assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department.
The FBI says Melaku acted alone, and no other areas are involved.
Melaku joined in the Marines Corps. Reserve on September 4, 2007. He is a motor vehicle operator with Combat Engineer Support Company, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and has achieved the rank of Lance Corporal.
Melaku has never been deployed overseas, and has received the National Defense Service Medal and the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal.
Melaku is currently being held by the U.S. Park Police.
Tony Tribby
10:45 am on Sunday, June 19, 2011
This article opens stating that there is more information about a, "suspicious package at the Pentagon," but unless I'm missing something, there does not appear to be any more information about that in the body of the article.