Defense lawyers say alleged NY terror plot was hatched, directed by federal informant

Defense says NY synagogue-bomb plot was feds’ idea

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Four men accused of trying to bomb synagogues in New York last spring and shoot down planes are asking a court to dismiss the case against them, saying they did little more than go along with a fake plot proposed, directed and funded by the federal government.

Defense attorneys filed a motion this week, claiming a federal informant chose the targets — two Bronx synagogues and planes at an air base north of New York City — plus offered payment and bought the only real weapon involved, a handgun. The defense alleged the four men from Newburgh, N.Y., were not inclined toward any crime until the informant began recruiting them.

The government is expected to file its response next month.