May 22, 2009 8:13 am US/Eastern
Family Shocked By Alleged Jihadists' Terror Plot
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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James Cromitie, one of four men arrested in alleged plot to bomb Riverdale Jewish Center in the Bronx section of New York and a US Air National Guard Base on May 20, 2009.
AP
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David Williams, one of four men arrested in alleged plot to bomb Riverdale Jewish Center in the Bronx section of New York and a US Air National Guard Base on May 20, 2009.
AP
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Onta Williams, one of four men arrested in alleged plot to bomb Riverdale Jewish Center in the Bronx section of New York and a US Air National Guard Base on May 20, 2009.
AP
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NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg briefs the media on a thwarted terror plot targeting a Jewish temple in New York City on May 21, 2009.
CBS
The four men arrested in the temple terror plot in the Bronx are being held without bail Friday. Many of the people who thought they knew the men said they can't believe they're capable of such violent deeds.
The suspects are described as jailhouse jihadists, felons who converted to Islam in prison and redirected their rage.
The ring leader, James Cromitie, wanted to "do a jihad." This from a man arrested 27 times for drug crimes. He admitted in court he had used marijuana within the past 24 hours.
Those who knew him said they had no idea what he was capable of:
"He was a nice guy, a great guy, I honestly can't say anything bad about him," one neighbor said.
David Williams is a father of two who also has a record for drug and weapons possession. His family said he became distant in recent weeks.
"I embraced him about a week and a half ago and I held him and said something's not right. I wasn't holding my nephew, the one I know and love," said Aahkiyaah Cummings, Williams' aunt.
Onta Williams is a father of three who was raised Baptist but converted to Islam in prison.
"I can't believe a friend of mine would try to hurt people in the United States," said neighbor Manuel Colon.
Laguerre Payen is the father of a little boy who was fighting deportation to Haiti. He served prison time for shooting two people with a BB gun and for snatching purses. His lawyer said he's intellectually challenged and on medication for schizophrenia.
"He was a very nice guy. I wouldn't think he was like a terrorist. He was very nice and polite, very nice," said neighbor Arielle Harvey.
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