FBI Director Mueller: Christmas airplane suspect has been cooperating with investigators

FBI: Christmas suspect has been cooperating

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Robert Mueller says the man suspected of trying to blow up a U.S. airliner on Christmas is cooperating with investigators.

Mueller told a House Appropriations subcommittee Wednesday that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab has been cooperating with agents since his failed attempt to detonate a bomb hidden in his underwear on a Detroit-bound flight.

The Obama administration has come under attack from Republicans over the case. GOP lawmakers contend the suspect should have been placed in military custody, and not advised of his right to remain silent under U.S. law.

Mueller says that since his arrest and first court appearance, Abdulmutallab has been cooperating, in part because his family persuaded him to do so.