The trial of a Saudi man accused of buying chemicals online to use in a bomb is due to begin.
Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari's trial on a federal charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction begins Thursday in Amarillo.
The 22-year-old former Texas Tech University chemical engineering student faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Aldawsari was legally in the U.S. on a student visa. He was arrested in February 2011 after federal agents secretly searched his West Texas apartment and found bomb-making chemicals, wiring, a hazmat suit and clocks.
Court documents allege he hatched plans to attack various U.S. targets including the home of former President George W. Bush in Dallas.
He has pleaded not guilty. Court records show his attorneys plan to use an insanity defense.
Authorities were tipped off by a North Carolina company after Aldawsari allegedly purchased chemicals online.
