A Florida man’s alleged plot to bomb the New York Stock Exchange has been thwarted, leading to his arrest by the FBI.
At a Glance
- Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, from Coral Springs, Florida, was arrested for allegedly planning to bomb the NYSE
- FBI investigation began in February after a tip about bomb-making materials in Yener’s storage unit
- Yener faces charges for attempting to use an explosive device to damage a building used in interstate commerce
- Authorities found bomb-making sketches, timers, electronic circuit boards, and other explosive materials
- Yener expressed anti-government motives and a desire to cause mass casualties
FBI Uncovers Alleged Plot Against NYSE
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, a 30-year-old man from Coral Springs, Florida, for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange. The arrest came after a months-long investigation that began in February when authorities received a tip about bomb-making materials in Yener’s storage unit.
Yener has been charged with attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce. The FBI’s investigation revealed that Yener had been researching bomb-making information online since 2017, accumulating materials and developing plans for what he reportedly described as a way to “reboot” the U.S. government.
A homeless Florida man has been arrested and charged with plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange to force a "reboot" or "reset" of the U.S. government, according to a criminal complaint. https://t.co/DRdwzeCxRn
— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 21, 2024
Disturbing Details Emerge
During the investigation, authorities uncovered bomb-making sketches, timers, electronic circuit boards, and other explosive materials in Yener’s possession. The suspect had also modified two-way radios to act as remote triggers for explosives, demonstrating a concerning level of preparation for his alleged plot.
“The Stock Exchange, we want to hit that because it will wake people up.” – Harun Abdul-Malik Yener
Yener’s statements to undercover FBI agents revealed his intention to detonate the bomb the week before Thanksgiving, targeting the stock exchange in Lower Manhattan. He planned to disguise himself while planting the device and intended to send messages to NBC News after the attack, comparing the potential impact to “a small nuke went off.”
Motives and Background
The suspect expressed anti-government sentiments and a desire to cause mass casualties, aiming to kill everyone inside the building. Yener’s history includes making violent threats, resulting in his termination from a restaurant job. He had attempted to join far-right extremist groups but was reportedly denied due to his desire for martyrdom.
“I feel like Bin Laden.” – Yener
Federal authorities have described Yener’s intentions as “a significant domestic threat.” The suspect had posted YouTube videos on creating explosives and fireworks from household items, further demonstrating his interest in and knowledge of explosive devices.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Yener has made his first court appearance and will be detained while awaiting trial. As of now, no attorney has been listed for the suspect, and calls to his phone numbers have gone unanswered. The case highlights the ongoing vigilance required to prevent potential acts of domestic terrorism and the crucial role of public tips in aiding law enforcement efforts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by major financial institutions and urban centers. It underscores the importance of robust security measures and the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to safeguard our nation’s critical infrastructure.
Sources:
- Florida man says ‘I feel like Bin Laden’ after arrested over alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange
- FBI arrests Florida man charged with planning attack on New York Stock Exchange
- The FBI arrested a man who’s been charged with planning an attack on the New York Stock Exchange