Suspicious Suspects In South Carolina Traffic Stop

This has been a developing story since the weekend, and it would appear that more light needs to be shined on the situation.

Two men were arrested near a US Navy base for speeding, and in the course of a search of the vehicle, the situation became far more serious, as potential explosives and other suspicious materials were discovered. Indeed, two pipe bombs were discovered. What were they up to and why were they near a US Naval facility, which is used for training submarine naval personnel and is also where a US brig is situated?

Authorities say two Middle Eastern men arrested near a Navy base had several pipe bombs in their car.

Authorities say 24-year-old Ahmed Abda Sherf Mohamed and 21-year-old Yousef Samir Megahed were charged Monday with possession of an incendiary device.

An FBI spokeswoman says a joint state-federal investigation is under way to see if there was any terrorism connection but no link had been found yet. The Navy base is the site of a brig where enemy combatants have been held.

According to an affidavit with his arrest warrant, Mohamed admitted he made the pipe bombs from items he bought at Wal-Mart.

Defense attorney Dennis Rhoad says Mohamed and Megahed have a reason for having the devices, but he declined to comment further during their bond hearing.

I'd be real interested in knowing what legitimate reason these two could have for possessing a pipe bomb. Dan Riehl notes that the two are being charged with felonies that could land them 2-15 years in prison. Dan's earlier coverage is here.

Jammie Wearing Fool has been all over this story from the outset, and he noted a report that stated that the two men weren't citizens and were attending the University of South Florida. For those keeping score, that is home to Sami Al Arian, who has been implicated in providing funding for Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Jammie and Hot Air have more details.

UPDATE:
Ace has been more circumspect on the reports claiming discovery of pipe bombs, especially if they're made of PVC. I'm not an expert in explosives, but if you have a given amount of explosives and place it in a sealed PVC pipe, that would technically be a pipe bomb, the purpose of which is still a mystery.

Things get more interesting when you read that Mohamed admitted to purchasing the materials for pipe bombs at a Wal Mart.

This remains a very curious situation that continues to develop.