A Traitor Named Paul R. Hall

Trial Begins in Terror Case Against Ex-Navy Sailor

The trial of a former Navy sailor on terrorism charges promises to offer a glimpse into how prosecutors say an American serviceman communicated with suspected terrorists over the Internet while on duty and leaked information that could have doomed his own ship.

Prosecutors, defense attorneys and spectators began arriving at the U.S. District Courthouse about an hour before the trial was to begin about 9 a.m. Monday.

Prosecutors allege that Hassan Abu-Jihaad sent details of the location and vulnerabilities of a Navy battle group to suspected terrorism supporters in London. [...]

Abu-Jihaad, an American-born Muslim convert formerly known as Paul R. Hall, was a signalman before he received an honorable discharge from the Navy in 2002. He worked in a UPS warehouse in Phoenix and has two young children, friends said. [...]

During a search of Ahmad's computers, investigators discovered files containing classified information about the positions of U.S. Navy ships and discussing their susceptibility to attack, according to authorities.

The ship details included the makeup of the Navy battle group, its planned movements and a drawing of the group's formation when it was to pass through the Straits of Hormuz on April 29, 2001.

"According to Navy officials, knowledge of ships' movements, missions and capabilities would be extremely useful in planning a successful terrorist strike," the FBI wrote in an affidavit.

If he's found guilty he should be immediately executed.