Monday's bomb-plot arrest in Cleveland highlights FBI's quick trigger finger on counterterrorism

The FBI just arrested an al Qaeda collaborator in Cleveland who wanted to bomb a July 4th fireworks show. Demetrius N. Pitts had declared his intentions to an undercover FBI agent.

Yet when asked at a press conference whether Pitts had the ability to effect his attack plans, the FBI agent in charge stated that “[Pitts’] precise ability to do specific things” might always be unclear. The agent also clarified that the agency doesn’t “have the luxury” of waiting to see whether terrorists finalize their attack plans by purchasing explosive precursors or recruiting new suspects to their cause.