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Edited by: Fern Sidman
A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly planning to bomb the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in a chilling plot uncovered by the FBI. Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, was apprehended on Wednesday after months of undercover work by federal agents, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. The suspect allegedly intended to execute the attack during the week of November 18, 2024, in what authorities describe as a potential catastrophe.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, in a statement released Wednesday night, confirmed Yener’s arrest and detailed the severity of the charges. He faces accusations of attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building involved in interstate commerce—a charge that could lead to severe penalties if convicted. A report on the Fox News Digital web site highlighted how the suspect’s intentions reflected a calculated and destructive mindset, emphasizing the alarming nature of the planned attack.
The FBI’s investigation began in February 2024, following a tip that Yener was storing bomb-making materials in an unlocked storage unit in Coral Springs, Florida. A search of the unit in March revealed a disturbing cache: electronic circuit boards, bomb-making sketches, and watches equipped with timers. These discoveries painted a grim picture of Yener’s plans, prompting federal agents to intensify their surveillance.
According to court filings reviewed by Fox News Digital, Yener unknowingly collaborated with undercover FBI agents who posed as accomplices. He tasked these agents with acquiring explosives, conducting surveillance of the NYSE, and taking photographs to pinpoint the optimal location for planting a bomb. Yener also planned to wear a disguise during the operation and had pre-recorded a message intended for the press to justify his actions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office described Yener’s vision for the attack in chilling detail. He allegedly anticipated that the blast would create devastation akin to a “small nuke,” wiping out everything outside the building and killing everyone inside, as was indicated in the Fox News Digital report. These revelations call attention to the severity of the threat and the importance of the FBI’s proactive measures in averting potential disaster.
The suspect’s extremist leanings trace back several years. In an interview with FBI agents earlier this year, Yener admitted that he had considered joining ISIS in 2015 after being approached by a self-identified recruiter, according to the information provided in The Fox News Digital report. Although he ultimately decided against joining the terror group, his radical mindset persisted, as evidenced by the bomb-making materials and schematics discovered in his storage unit.
As reported by Fox News Digital, the FBI’s successful infiltration of Yener’s plans marks a significant victory in counterterrorism efforts. By embedding undercover agents into his network, law enforcement officials were able to gather critical intelligence and prevent a potentially catastrophic attack on one of New York City’s most iconic institutions.
The suspect reportedly viewed the attack as a means to “reset” or “reboot” the United States government, believing it would garner widespread support.
In conversations with an undercover FBI agent, whom Yener believed to be a member of a militia group, he revealed his plan to bomb the NYSE during the week of November 18, 2024. According to Fox News Digital, Yener described his goal as initiating a “new revolution” that would challenge the existing government and inspire similar actions.
Over the course of several meetings with undercover agents and a confidential source, Yener demonstrated a troubling familiarity with terrorist tactics and targets. Court documents note his consideration of bombing a power plant as a way to disrupt local communities and governance. However, his chilling pragmatism led him to explore other options, such as targeting civilian areas.
Yener discussed how bombing a Walmart at night could minimize casualties, while still achieving significant impact. Fox News Digital highlighted how these conversations shed light on Yener’s calculated approach to violence, prioritizing symbolic attacks over indiscriminate harm.
The FBI also discovered a YouTube channel linked to Yener, featuring videos detailing how to construct explosives and triggers using household items. This digital footprint provided further evidence of his intent and capability to carry out acts of terror.
Yener ultimately settled on the New York Stock Exchange as his primary target, describing it as an “easy” and “perfect” location for maximum impact. In his conversations with undercover agents, Yener expressed confidence that the attack would resonate with the public, claiming that “tons of people” would support his actions, as was reported by Fox News Digital. He rationalized the planned bombing as retaliation against perceived economic injustices, saying, “They are robbing us.”
On November 12, Yener recorded a “demand statement” that he intended to send to NBC News following the attack. As detailed in the Fox News Digital report, Yener chillingly compared himself to Osama bin Laden, remarking, “I feel like Bin Laden” as he prepared to deliver the message.
Yener’s recorded statement painted a disturbing picture of his revolutionary ambitions. Referring to the planned attack on the NYSE and additional targets in California, he declared:
“What you’ve just witnessed at the Stock Exchange and California was just the beginning of a new era. Be warned, if you raise your fist, we will cut them off. If you kick at us, we will break your legs. If you speak ill of us, we will chop out your tongue. If you aren’t willing to stand, then you will fall a victim.”
These words, cited in court documents, illustrate Yener’s intent to use violence as a means to instill fear and spark widespread upheaval. The Fox News Digital report emphasized the significance of these revelations, noting the broader implications of such extremist ideologies taking root domestically.
Thanks to the FBI’s diligent work, Yener’s plot was thwarted before it could materialize. By embedding undercover agents into his network and monitoring his activities closely, federal authorities were able to gather critical evidence and prevent a potential disaster. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged Yener with attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building involved in interstate commerce.
As the investigation continues, Fox News Digital has reached out to both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for additional comments. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by radicalized individuals and the importance of proactive counterterrorism measures.
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Hi. why are you using the mugshot of a Vt. stabbing suspect to go with this story? original story.. https://www.wcax.com/2024/11/20/manhunt-underway-vt-stabbing-suspect/
Thanks- it was indexed wrong in google search, we took it down