Replies

Thanks for reminding me of this one.

I think he was later discounted because he couldn't pass a lie detector test.

(snip)

(CBS) The FBI says it is investigating a Nevada man's claim that he picked up a conversation in Arabic on his cell phone during which someone said there would be a "hit" on the "day of freedom."

"We've initiated a full-scale investigation to determine if this constitutes a threat, and if so, what kind of threat," says Daron Borst, a FBI Special Agent in Las Vegas.

Borst says agents have interviewed the man who reported the conversation, Michael Hamdan, and plan to question him again Friday.

In an interview with CBS Radio News, Borst says the FBI has "been made aware of the gentleman's claim that he intercepted the phone call, and we are taking it seriously."

Hamdan, 54, said he's a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Lebanon and speaks Arabic.

Hamdan said he was trying to call his wife on his cell phone Saturday when he heard Arabic voices.

"They said in Arabic, not even a word of English, 'We are in the city of corruption, the city of prostitution, the city of gambling, the city of unbelievers,' " said Hamdan.

He says he also heard a voice say: "We are going to hit them on the day of freedom."

Hamdan said the call lasted about 90 seconds before the line went dead. He said he believes the men were talking about July Fourth.

"I was frozen, absolutely cold," Hamdan said. "I was sweating. I couldn't believe what I heard."

Hamdan said he reported what he heard to the FBI early Sunday morning.

CBS News Affiliate KLAS-TV reports the FBI is now trying to trace the cell phone call Hamdan says he overheard. (/snip)

I just found more -- instead of thanking the guy, they apparently called him names publicly.

===

Mayor Goodman Sued Over "Whack, this guy" Remark

By Frank Albano

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman’s propensity for "off the cuff" remarks, prompted no doubt, by his long and illustrious career as a criminal defense attorney, and a self-proclaimed mob mouthpiece, has been sued by Michael Hamden. The Las Vegas resident, almost to the year, filed a defamation of character suit against Goodman.

A year ago, Hamden reported to the FBI an overheard cell phone conversation among Arabs, discussing a "hit" on Las Vegas. While the feds dismissed the claim for being not credible, Mayor Goodman hearing the accusation went one
better, and offered to "whack this guy." Now, Hamden through his lawyers says he been defamed by the world class lawyer, turned Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Goodman often accused in the press for his candor and bravado, may think twice before, figuratively of course, offering to whack anybody else.

City Communications Director, Dave Riggleman, speaking on behalf of the Mayor, indicated Hizzoner would not comment on the lawsuit, until he has a chance to take a look at it, and that Hamden’s credibility is in question.

Hamden says, "By saying what I did was shameful and un-American, he violated my civil rights and assassinated my dignity, my respect, and my good name as an American."

Hamden is Lebanese, and speaks Arabic.

Quoting from a published report, a Hamden attorney said, "Mr. Hamden’s reputation, in the community, excited derogatory remarks about him, and held Mr. Hamden in contempt, within the local, national and international community."

Goodman also referred to Hamden as a liar.

Hamden’s suit seeks unspecified damages, and he wants a
public apology from Goodman.

http://www.sincitywebhosting.com/lasvegastribune/5-1/cityhall.htm