Closing arguments in Fort Dix terrorism trial

Inquirer staff writer Troy Graham reports:

After eight weeks of testimony about jihad and killing U.S. soldiers, prosecutors will get their final chance this morning to convince jurors that the five Fort Dix defendants weren't just talking tough, but that they were dangerous, would-be terrorists.

Closing arguments begin this morning and are expected to stretch into Tuesday.

The five defendants, all foreign-born Muslim men raised in South Jersey, could face life in prison if convicted of the most serious charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. soldiers and attempted murder.

Their lawyers said they were nothing more than alienated young men, who liked to talk big about jihad but never planned to carry out an attack. To use a phrase summoned in court, the men were like dogs that bark, but do not bite, the defense argued.

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