NEW YORK, NY May 21, 2009 —Three of the four suspects alleged to have plotted to blow up two Riverdale synagogues and shoot down military planes based at Stewart Airport have been arraigned in federal court in White Plains. WNYC's Bob Hennelly was there.

At the arraignment, Assistant US Attorney Eric Snyder described the suspects as "extremely violent men who easily embraced terrorism." The alleged ring leader and high school dropout, 55-year-old James Cromitie, told U.S. Magistrate Lisa Smith that he had smoked pot yesterday but could still understand the proceedings.

All three men who appeared before the judge said they were U.S. citizens and needed the court to provide them with Legal Aid lawyers. The trio was sent to the Westchester County Penitentiary and are scheduled back in court June 5th.

The fourth suspect Laguerre Payen, who is believed to be a Hatian national, will be arraigned later this afternoon.

In White Plains for WNYC, I am Bob Hennelly.