Faizal Shahzad, the naturalized American citizen from Pakistan whose car-bomb failed to detonate in Times Square May 1, pleaded guilty to 10 felonies in a New York courtroom Monday. The plea came with no promises from the government, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.
"In admitting his guilt today," Bharara said, "Shahzad reminded us of the uniquely serious threat that our city faces every single day. I express my gratitude and admiration for the agents and detectives of the FBI and New York Police Department (NYPD) who dedicate their lives to the daily fight to keep this city, its residents and its visitors, safe from harm."
Shahzad "plotted and launched an attack that could have led to serious loss of life," Attorney General Eric Holder added, "and today the American criminal justice system ensured that he will pay the price for his actions."
Shahzad reportedly has been cooperating with officials since his arrest at JFK airport. After hearing the charges against him, he told the court "I want to plead guilty 100 times over," the New York Times reports.
He admitted leaving his Nissan Pathfinder in Times Square in hopes it would blow up. He claims to have acted alone. Terrorist attacks against the U.S. will continue, he told the court, as long as American troops remain in Iraq and Afghanistan and drone strikes don't stop against terrorist targets in Pakistan.
Shahzad could receive a life prison term at his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for October 5.