The FBI arrested Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, of Coral Springs, Florida, on Wednesday, charging him with planning an attack on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Yener allegedly intended to plant a bomb on the NYSE and detonate it remotely in an attempt to “reboot” the US government. The plot, which Yener targeted the week before Thanksgiving, was foiled after the FBI began investigating him earlier this year.
Yener was charged with attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
The FBI began investigating Yener in February following a tip that he was storing bomb-making schematics in a storage unit.
Authorities have discovered various bomb-making materials, including timers, electronic circuit boards and other equipment that can be used to create explosive devices.
Peter Morgan/AP Photo
Secret investigation reveals details
Yener’s online history revealed that he had been researching bomb-making techniques since 2017 and had openly discussed his intentions with undercover FBI agents.
In conversations, Yener said the bombing was intended to “wake people up.” He reportedly described the attack as being “like a little nuclear bomb had gone off,” targeting the stock market as a symbol of U.S. government and corporate power.
Court documents reveal that Yener also modified two-way radios to function as remote triggers of explosives and planned to disguise himself during the attack. Despite these preparations, his plot was stopped before it could be carried out.
Troubling context and previous threats
Yener was previously known for creating explosives-related content on YouTube, where he posted videos on creating fireworks and explosives using household items.
His history of threatening behavior also surfaced when he was fired from a restaurant in Coconut Creek, Florida. According to his former supervisor, Yener threatened to “become a Parkland shooter in this place,” referring to the tragic 2018 school shooting.
Yener’s extremist affiliations were also explored during the investigation. He had attempted to join the far-right anti-government group “Boogaloo Bois” and the Proud Boys, but his applications were rejected. According to court documents, Yener expressed a desire for “martyrdom,” a factor that led to his exclusion from these groups.
Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo
First court appearance and detention
Yener appeared in court Wednesday afternoon, where he was formally charged and remanded in custody pending trial. No attorney was listed for him in court records.
His case highlights ongoing concern about extremism and domestic terrorism in the United States, where authorities continue to combat threats from individuals attempting to engage in politically motivated violence. large scale.
The case was first reported by Court supervisionand authorities are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press
