Pentagon scare suspect ID'd as Marine reservist

A source told CBS News that the man detained in the discovery of a suspicious vehicle outside the Pentagon Friday morning was identified as a corporal in the reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps.


Lance Cpl. Yonathan Melaku told authorities during questioning on Friday morning that he was carrying explosives, the source told CBS News investigative producer Pat Milton.


Previously, FBI Special Agent Brenda Heck, who heads the anti-terrorist division of the Office in its field office in Washington, told reporters that the non-explosive material was found in a backpack the suspect was wearing at the time of his arrest.


A senior law enforcement on the language of anonymity said officials found what appeared to be an unknown quantity of ammonium nitrate. The official, who was not authorized to release information, said nothing else was found which would have allowed an explosion. The official said tests were conducted to determine the exact substance and concentration.


Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound that is widely used in fertilizers and can be used in explosives with the right concentration.