[JudicialWatch] The narco-terror ringleader who planned the 2009 bombing of Oprah Winfreyâs Chicago studios and the iconic Sears Tower has been released from jail, his newfound freedom facilitated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Emad Karakrah was incarcerated in Cook County Jail since taking police on a high-speed chase through Chicago streets in late August and threatening to blow up his car. An Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag waved from the vehicle and Karakrah got charged with making a false car bomb threat. But on January 7, 2015 Karakrah reached a plea deal in Cook County Court and was released from prison.Karakrahâs role in a sophisticated narco-terror ring, centered in El Paso, Texas, has been extensively reported by Judicial Watch over the past four months. The operation, uncovered with Judicial Watchâs help, has connections running from Chicago to New York City and involves two of the FBIâs âmost wanted.â
Karakrah was reportedly recruited as an FBI confidential informant (CI) in 2009 after his plot to bomb Winfreyâs Harpo Studios and the Sears Tower (renamed Willis Tower) with a truck bomb was foiled. It wasnât long before he broke contact with his FBI handlers, according to Judicial Watchâs sources, and for years he successfully evaded them.
It is not clear why the FBI would have any interest or confidence in its ability to control or direct Karakrah. The agency was contacted for comment on this report and failed to respond as it has when reached for comment on other stories in this ongoing narco-terror series.