Republican Rep. Aaron Schock, target of Islamic bombing, Strong Supporter of Israel

Potential OKC-style Bombing on Fed Building in downtown Springfield, Illinois

"We’re not sure whether we should be relieved or terrified as we read details of Michael Finton’s alleged plan to blow up the Paul Findley Federal Building in downtown Springfield... relief, obviously, in knowing the FBI took charge... But with that relief comes a shudder.

[It is believed] Finton had every intention of laying waste to the heart of downtown Springfield." -- Editorial Board, Springfield Journal-Register, Sunday, Sept. 27

On the very same day as a major FBI bust of an Islamic terrorist suspect in Dallas last Wednesday, who was planning on blowing up a major downtown skyscraper, Federal officials arrested Michael Finton, an American-born Muslim convert, for allegedly trying to blow up the downtown Springfield, Illinois Federal Building. He was arrested after he attempted to detonate dummy explosives, as part of an ongoing FBI sting operation.

The building houses the offices of Republican Congressman Aaron Schock, the youngest member of the US House of Representatives. Schock is best known for having challenged his fellow Illinois politician Pres. Obama earlier this year, on lack of job growth coming to Central Illinois, through the Stimulus. His District includes the world headquarters for Catepillar Inc.

Schock is a Defense Conservative, strong on Military issues. He's also a staunch defender of Israel.

According to the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Comm (ADC), Rep. Schock has voted 100% of the time against Arab/Muslim interests. From ADC Action Alerts:

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act 04/29/2009 Nay - Passed

Recognizing Israels right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process Yea - Passed

The Congressman has also been a strong critic against the Ahmadinejad regime in Iran. As recently as Sept. 13 he told a crowd of 50 gathered at the Peoria Country Club, "the clock is ticking" on Iran, and that Military option may be required if they don't immediately cease their nuclear weapons program. From the Peoria Journal-Star:

"A nuclear Iran is not an acceptable outcome," Schock said during speech in front of more then 50 people at the Country Club of Peoria. "We'd support Israel's attempts to stop them from acquiring nuclear weapons."

Finton, aka "Talib Islam," ties to the Middle East

According to the British press, Finton is employed as a part-time cook at a "fish and chicken" restaurant in Decatur. He is unmarried. He is also a former convict, and had converted to Islam while in jail. In prison he changed his name to Talib Islam.

From The Daily Mail On-line, Sept. 25:

FBI documents traced two years of Islam's life leading up to the alleged bomb plot and arrest.



It said his parole on a previous conviction was revoked in August 2007 and writings found after included a letter to Lindh, who was captured fighting for the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Islam told agents in January 2008 he idolized Lindh, the affidavit said.

Now a stunning revelation: News reports are coming out this morning that Finton, had extensive ties to the Middle East. Continuing:

The affidavit said that in March 2008 Islam received funds from Saudi Arabia and used them to travel to the kingdom for a month-long visit.

Islamwas introduced to the FBI special officer posing as an al Qaeda operative in February, according to the affidavit.

Islam expressed a desire to receive military training and fight in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia or elsewhere, agents said.

In the months that followed, he talked about an attack within the United States and ultimately settled on the Paul Findley courthouse.

He also allegedly took an interest in the nearby office of Republican U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock as well, the affidavit said.

Read more: DailyMail.co.uk/news

Finton's M.O. almost identical to Tim McVeigh

The Editors at the Journal-Register in Springrield ended their opinion piece with this chilling commentary:

For anyone tempted to write off Finton as simply a crackpot or jihadist wannabe, we encourage a quick review of the McVeigh case.

Working with a single primary accomplice in Terry Nichols — and at a time before the Internet was the convenient worldwide communication medium it is today — McVeigh used diesel fuel, fertilizer, sundry explosive components and a rented truck to kill 168 people in an explosion that destroyed its target and damaged buildings in a 16-block radius.

This is how homeland security is supposed to work, and everyone involved in this investigation deserves praise...

Yet it also underscores the need for vigilance. The 9/11 terrorists notwithstanding, terrorism can take root anywhere a person of Michael Finton’s alleged mindset exists. Suppose Finton had been more careful with his possessions and his parole agents hadn’t found the Lindh letter and other materials in his car. Suppose his Saudi contact had continued wiring him money...

We’d prefer to not think of the consequences of those scenarios. We’re grateful for the vigilance of those involved in all phases of this case for keeping them hypothetical.

Additional information: "Islamic Extremist Terorrorists and the Oklahoma City Bombing" by John S. Craig, May 2, 2008 Associated Content News