U.S. clears doctor in terrorism probe

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Justice Department Wednesday formally cleared a San Antonio, Texas, physician held briefly in connection with the nationwide terror investigation.

The somewhat unusual step of a formal exoneration was announced in a statement issued by U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White and released by Attorney General John Ashcroft's spokeswoman.

It cleared Dr. Albader Alhazmi, a radiologist detained by the FBI as a material witness. He was released Monday night.

"Mr. Alhazmi, who had counsel and was released, voluntarily answered all questions put to him. He was not, and is not, a subject of this investigation," the Justice Department statement said.

On Tuesday, Alhazmi asserted his innocence in what he called an "insane crime."

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"I'm glad it's over," he told reporters gathered outside his home.

Alhazmi, who is from Saudi Arabia, came under scrutiny because his last name is the same as two of the hijackers and because he had not shown up at work September 11 -- the day of the hijackings.

Investigators said their suspicious were also raised because Alhazmi had plane tickets for himself and his family for September 22 but had not requested time off from work.

Authorities said they found no links between the doctor and the terrorist plot.

Alhazmi also expressed his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks and said the acts had "nothing to do with Islam."

He was one of hundreds of people detained by the government after the September 11 attacks.