Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari's trial on a federal charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction begins Thursday in Amarillo. The 22-year-old former Texas Tech University chemical engineering student faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Aldawsari was legally in the U.S. on a student visa. He was arrested in February 2011 after federal agents secretly searched his West Texas apartment and found bomb-making chemicals, wiring, a hazmat suit and clocks.
He has pleaded not guilty. Court records show his attorneys plan to use an insanity defense.
Authorities were tipped off by a North Carolina company after Aldawsari allegedly purchased chemicals online.
