Tuesday January 8 11:44PM PT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Law enforcement authorities today announced the positive identification and capture of Al Qaeda leader and alleged terrorist Osama Bin Laden. Bin Laden is also widely believed to be the mastermind of the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.
During a random inspection by West Hollywood Fire Marshals at famed celebrity hangout Sky Bar in Los Angeles, officials noticed an individual bearing resemblance to recent FBI sketches and computer renderings of a beardless Osama Bin Laden.
When confronted, the suspect could only utter the words “I Kiss You!” and a foreign language, presumed to be Farsi. He was immediately taken into custody and positively identified by a panel of celebrity guests, including former US Attorney General Janet Reno, who were taking part in a taping of reality show “Rendez-View”.
“Bin Laden is now in custody,” said Attorney General John Ashcroft, “and is being held pending an initial hearing.”
Officials further declined to reveal where Bin Laden is currently being held.
James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, told Reuters that he hopes that this will help to bring to an end the “unfair suspicion directed toward innocent, law-abiding Arabs around the world.”
(photo attached)