Georgia man 'planned to fire anti-tank rocket at White House'

A 21-year-old man from the US state of Georgia has been arrested over an alleged terror plot to attack the White House and Statue of Liberty.

Hasher Jallal Taheb was arrested after trading his car for semi-automatic rifles, anti-tank and explosive devices, say court documents.

Authorities say Mr Taheb detailed his plans to an undercover FBI agent and informant last year.

He reportedly plotted to attack the White House on Thursday 17 January.

• The radical US preacher beyond FBI's reach
• FBI agent reveals life infiltrating extremist groups in America
• Is this the Islamic State group's last stand in Syria?

Mr Taheb allegedly told the undercover agent he planned to blow up a door of the West Wing with an anti-tank rocket in order to enter and kill people.

He was immediately arrested in Buford, Georgia, on Wednesday after he accepted the dud weapons from undercover FBI agents in return for his car.

The FBI said he discussed how to use the weapons and detonate the explosives with the undercover agent during the exchange, and planned on driving straight to Washington DC.

He is charged with attempting to destroy a federal building and faces up to 20 years in prison. It is unclear if Mr Taheb has a lawyer.