Padilla is an American citizen accused of involvement in a dirty bomb plot against the United States.

NPR: Padilla Appeals His U.S. Captivity

And, prosecutors said, it doesn't matter if the charges against Padilla don't include a previously alleged "dirty bomb" plot.

CNN: Specter launches probe of handling of case

The FBI arrested Padilla in Chicago, Illinois, in May of 2002 on suspicion of being part of a plot to detonate a so-called dirty bomb.

CNN: 'Dirty bomb' suspect gets conditional lawyer access

When John Ashcroft announced the arrest of an American citizen in Chicago three years ago, the attorney general said Jose Padilla had been plotting to detonate a dirty bomb in the United States.

NPR: U.S. Indicts Padilla After Three Years in Custody

But the Justice Department did not include accusations that Padilla plotted to detonate a "dirty bomb" or to blow up apartment buildings, although government officials had leveled those allegations publicly before Padilla was charged.

CNN: Feds to high court: Allow Padilla move

The U.S. has said North Korea does not possess a nuclear warhead or the required technology to miniaturize one to fit on its rockets, but it could put a "dirty bomb" or conventional weapon on one.

CNN: Analysis: Amid pending launch, N. Korea only shows half its hand

But the indictment makes no mention of a plot to detonate a radioactive "dirty bomb" or blow up apartment buildings with natural gas -- allegations made previously in public statements and court arguments by Justice Department officials.

CNN: Specter launches probe of handling of case

One of the cases is that of Binyam Mohamed, an Ethiopian who was arrested in Pakistan in 2002 and accused by the US of taking part in a so-called "dirty bomb" plot after being at a camp visited by Osama bin Laden.

BBC: Prisoner request another change from Blair era

Daschle said that the arrest of "dirty bomb" suspect Jose Padilla and further revelations of the actions of other suspected terrorists inside U.S. borders bolster arguments for a quick resolution to the homeland security issue, but said it was important to do the job right.

CNN: Congress ready to move on homeland security