Jan 22, 2003
Agents again refused to say why they searched the abandoned home, which Palm Beach County property records show is owned by Mohammed and Afaf Almasri. The search warrant authorizing the raid was sealed by a judge. FBI and Justice Department officials in Washington also declined comment Wednesday.
Agents could be seen digging holes in the backyard and scanning it with metal detectors. They removed dozens of brown boxes and bags of evidence and removed a silver Mitsubishi Mirage with a flat tire from the garage.
State records show that the car was registered to the Almasris' 22-year-old son, Turki, whom neighbors say had been taking flying lessons before the family left. At least 15 of the 19 hijackers involved in the 2001 attacks had ties to Florida, with some seeking flight training here.
Kristina Daddio said the family left hurriedly on Sept. 9, 2001, when a white minivan pulled into the driveway. The family quickly loaded their suitcases and drove off, she said.
"We were wondering why they were rushing. It was so not in keeping with their normal behavior," Daddio said. "These people are very pristine and proper."
Daddio said the family typically spent six months a year in the suburban neighborhood eight miles southwest of West Palm Beach and the other half the year in Saudi Arabia. Daddio said the family typically told them when they were leaving and when they were returning home.
Daddio and another neighbor, Rodney Lamarca, said they became suspicious after the terrorist attacks and called an FBI hot line to report their concern.
"I'm a little disappointed that it took so long. But I really want them to resolve this. Is this something or is this nothing?" Lamarca said.
Neighbors said that after the family left, no one kept the home and the grass grew as high as bushes. Daddio said her husband would mow the lawn when it got out of control.
"There is much ado about something over there," Daddio said.
AP-ES-01-22-03 1807EST
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