A Florida man has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly planning to bomb the New York Stock Exchange, in what authorities describe as a significant domestic threat.
At a Glance
- Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, from Coral Springs, Florida, was arrested for plotting to bomb the NYSE
- FBI found bomb-making sketches, timers, and electronic components in Yener’s possession
- Yener allegedly planned to detonate the bomb the week before Thanksgiving
- He faces charges of attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce
- Yener expressed anti-government motives and a desire to cause mass casualties
FBI Uncovers Alarming Plot
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has thwarted what could have been a catastrophic attack on American soil. Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, a 30-year-old resident of Coral Springs, Florida, was apprehended for allegedly planning to bomb the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in a misguided attempt to “reboot” the U.S. government.
The investigation into Yener began in February after the FBI received a tip about bomb-making schematics discovered in his storage unit. As agents delved deeper, they uncovered a trove of alarming evidence, including bomb-making sketches, timers, electronic circuit boards, and other materials typically associated with explosive devices.
A Long-Brewing Plan
According to the FBI, Yener’s interest in bomb-making wasn’t a recent development. He had been researching bomb-making information online since 2017, gradually building his knowledge and stockpiling materials. This long-term dedication to his sinister plan highlights the persistent nature of domestic terrorism threats.
“The Stock Exchange, we want to hit that because it will wake people up,” Harun Abdul-Malik Yener said.
Yener’s plans were not just idle fantasies. He had modified two-way radios to act as remote triggers for explosives and had even posted YouTube videos demonstrating how to create explosives and fireworks from household items. The level of detail in his preparations indicates a serious intent to carry out the attack.
Motives and Delusions
Yener’s motivations appear to be a toxic mix of anti-government sentiment and delusions of grandeur. He expressed to undercover FBI agents his intention to detonate the bomb the week before Thanksgiving, targeting the stock exchange in Lower Manhattan. Yener believed the attack would “wake people up” and described it as a way to “reboot” the U.S. government, comparing its potential impact to that of a small nuclear explosion.
“I feel like Bin Laden,” Yener said.
In a disturbing revelation, Yener had attempted to join far-right extremist groups but was denied due to his desire for martyrdom. This rejection didn’t deter him; instead, it seems to have fueled his solo plans for destruction. He even went so far as to compare himself to Osama bin Laden, revealing a deeply troubling mindset.
Swift Justice and Ongoing Vigilance
Following his arrest, Yener had his first court appearance and will be detained while awaiting trial. He faces charges of attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce. As of now, no attorney has been listed for Yener, and attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by our nation. It underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and the critical role that law enforcement agencies play in protecting our communities from those who seek to do us harm. The swift action of the FBI in this case may well have prevented a tragedy of immense proportions.
