Authorities in Washington, D.C. arrested a 29-year-old Moroccan Friday near the U.S. Capitol as he was planning to detonate what he thought was a suicide vest.

It had been given to him by FBI undercover operatives and he thought was packed with real explosives.

CBN News Terrorism Analyst Erick Stakelbeck spoke more about the sting operation and what law enforcement officials are doing to track down threats like this. Click play to watch 

Amine El Khalifi of Alexandria, Va., was taken into custody with an inoperable gun and inert explosives, according to a counterterrorism official.

The suspect wanted to kill at least 30 people and considered targeting a building in Alexandria, a restaurant, and a synagogue before settling on the U.S. Capitol Building.

Earlier in the day, El Khalifi had been praying at a nearby mosque near Washington.

Authorities said the suspect was under constant surveillance. He was not arrested on the Capitol grounds and the public was never in danger.

Originally published on Friday, February 17th.