Misunderstood Practitioner of Islam Gets Eight Years For Compiling Enemy Hitlist

This ticking time bomb was a follower of Anwar al-Awlaki, the scumbag behind the Fort Hood jihadist and the Christmas Day undies bomber and was apparently intent on carrying out hits on some 20 people, including members of the media and military, who weren't named. If his enemies were perceived enemies of Islam, it's safe to say his media target or targets are likely well-known people on the right. Just a hunch.

Prosecutors alleged that Paul Rockwood, also known as "Bilal," converted to Islam about a decade ago and began studying the teachings of American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who has professed hatred for the United States and supports acts of terrorism. The couple then moved to King Salmon, where he worked for the National Weather Service.

"While in Alaska, Rockwood researched and discussed methods of execution often at great length and in significant detail, components for mail bombs were purchased, the targets had been selected and a loose time line was established," assistant U.S. attorneys Steven Skrocki and Bryan Schroder wrote in their sentencing memo.

Prosecutors said he gave the list of targets to his wife in April, and she carried it on a trip to Anchorage, where the FBI obtained it.

Curiously while the husband got eight years, the wife mysteriously walks and gets to return to her native England.

Paul Rockwood Jr., along with his wife, Nadia, faced counts of lying to FBI agents when questioned about the list of 20 targets in May. They pleaded guilty to domestic terrorism charges last month, the first time such charges were brought in Alaska under the Patriot Act.

It was enacted after the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The length of Rockwood's sentence was the maximum penalty for the crime. His 36-year-old wife, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and United Kingdom, was sentenced to five years probation.

She will be allowed to return to her native country and take care of the couple's 4-year-old child.

Authorities said Paul Rockwood, 35, of King Salmon, converted to Islam about a decade ago and followed the teachings of a cleric who supports acts of terrorism and espouses hatred for the United States. The alleged hit list include members of the military and media.

I think when they're convicted we can stop using the word alleged.