FBI Monitoring U.S. Muslims for Radiation

CNN reports that unnamed "government officials" have confirmed that the FBI has been monitoring Muslim mosques, homes and other buildings in U.S. cities for abnormal radiation levels since 2002 without obtaining search warrants or court orders.

According to a CNN report, the officials claimed the type of monitoring being done does not require warrants, because it is done using equipment located outside the buildings. The FBI also claims that the monitoring programs do not target any specific group of the population, and that non-Muslim sites were also monitored for excess radiation.

"You do not need to be on anyone's property to get radiation levels," states a source quoted by CNN. "How close you need to be depends on search techniques, the equipment used and the substance you are looking for."

Even before the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, security officials have suspected that radical Muslim groups have been seeking obtain materials needed to assemble nuclear weapons, or "dirty bombs."

The revelation is expected to bring more criticism of President Bush, who last week confirmed that he had authorized non-court ordered surveillance of U.S. citizens suspected of being involved in terrorist activities.

Also See:
Bush Defends Eavesdropping, Patriot Act
Bush Promises to Continue Secret Eavesdropping