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Senator Klobuchar Seeks Explanation from State Department about Moussaoui Case

January 25, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that she sent a letter today to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice seeking an explanation about a $5 million reward reportedly paid by the U.S. government in the case of convicted terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui.

A flight instructor, Clarence Prevost, has reportedly received a $5 million payment from the U.S. State Department's “Rewards for Justice” program for his role in assisting the FBI with information that led to this arrest of terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui.  However, two other Minnesota program managers, Tim Nelson and Hugh Sims, were the ones who actually alerted the FBI in 2001 about Moussaoui’s suspicious behavior at a flight training school in Eagan, Minnesota. 

“Tim Nelson contacted my office and I am seeking an explanation on his behalf from the State Department,” said Klobuchar.  “The swift action taken by these two brave individuals clearly led to the capture of Zacarias Moussaoui in advance of the 9/11 attacks.   Any recognition in this case should include these two Minnesotans who notified federal authorities in the interests of saving American lives. Their efforts are a model to all Americans for how we can help keep our country safe.”

The text of Klobuchar’s letter to Secretary of State Rice is below.

Dear Secretary Rice,

I am writing in response to recent reports that the State Department has dispensed a sizeable award through the “Rewards for Justice” program stemming from the arrest of Zacharias Moussaoui in 2001.  These reports indicate that the department has paid one individual, Clarence Prevost, $5 million for his role in assisting the FBI with information that led to this arrest.  While Mr. Prevost’s role in the matter was no doubt important, and certainly worthy of commendation, I believe that two other individuals also contributed significantly to Moussaoui’s arrest, and are also deserving of recognition and reward from the Department.

Tim Nelson and Hugh Sims were both program managers at the Pan Am Flight Academy in Eagan, MN when Moussaoui unsuccessfully sought commercial flight training there in 2001.  It was Mr. Nelson, quickly followed by Mr. Sims, who first alerted the FBI of Moussaoui’s suspicious behavior in August of that year.  The information they provided led the FBI to launch an investigation that ultimately led to Moussaoui’s arrest. 

As the world now knows, Moussaoui was involved in the plotting of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Some even speculate that Moussaoui could have piloted a fifth plane in those attacks had he not been arrested shortly before they took place, thanks in large part to the efforts of Mr. Nelson and Mr. Sims.

Congress recognized Mr. Nelson and Mr. Sims in 2005, after their role in stopping Moussaoui became fully known, for their bravery and for their contribution to the FBI’s efforts.  Without diminishing the contributions of Mr. Prevost in any way, I believe it is clear that Mr. Nelson and Mr. Sims played a critical role in this case and are equally deserving of recognition.

I understand and respect that the State Department’s determinations in distributing rewards for those who help protect our nation against terrorism are necessarily confidential.  However, I must request that you provide me with information that might help explain why Mr. Prevost was selected for reward in this case at the exclusion of Mr. Nelson and Mr. Sims.  I am happy to comply with whatever security precautions may be necessary for you to share this information with me.

I thank you for your assistance in this matter and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

/s/
Amy Klobuchar

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