He and an accomplice propose to detonate a nuclear bomb in the United States. 2002

Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, purported mastermind of Sept. 11, suggests targeting high-rise buildings with ''dirty bombs.'' March 2002

Padilla arrives in Chicago, carrying $10,526 and suspects' phone numbers. He is arrested. March 8, 2002

U.S. judge rules that a federal court has authority to decide whether he was properly detained. Dec. 4, 2002

2nd Circuit Court of Appeals orders Padilla released within 30 days. Dec. 18, 2003

The 2nd Circuit agrees to suspend ruling. Jan. 22, 2004

Lawyers meet with him for the first time. March 3, 2004

Padilla asks Supreme Court to limit power to detain. Oct. 25, 2005

Federal grand jury indicts Padilla on Tuesday.

Source: U.S. Justice Dept. records

Padilla