Florida Man Accused in New York Stock Exchange Attack Plot

Handcuffed person in front of another individual.

A Florida man has been charged in a shocking plot against the New York Stock Exchange, allegedly hoping to use explosives to “reboot” the U.S. government.

At a Glance

  • Harun Abdul-Malik Yener planned to attack the NYSE using explosive devices.
  • Motivations included anti-government sentiment and economic grievances.
  • FBI’s investigation began following a tip-off about Yener’s bomb schematics.
  • Yener compared his actions to those of Osama bin Laden.

The Arrest and Charges

Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, age 30, from Coral Springs, Florida, has been charged with plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). He aimed to “reboot” the U.S. government. Yener was charged with attempting to use an explosive device to damage a building used in interstate commerce. This bold plot came to light after an FBI investigation began in February, triggered by a tip about bomb-making schematics found in his storage unit.

The authorities discovered bomb-making sketches, electronic circuit boards, and other explosive materials in Yener’s possession. Investigations revealed that Yener had been researching bomb-making techniques online since 2017, showing a calculated and long-term plan to execute the attack. He also allegedly expressed a specific intent to target the NYSE in Lower Manhattan during Thanksgiving week.

Unraveling the Plan

Further details of Yener’s plan were uncovered during the investigation. Yener expressed to undercover FBI agents his belief that the attack would “wake people up” and described it as akin to detonating “a small nuke.” His plan included the modification of two-way radios to act as remote triggers for the explosives. Authorities found Yener had a history of making threats and failed attempts to join far-right extremist groups due to his desire for martyrdom.

“There is one place that would be hella easy… the stock exchange, that would be a great hit. Tons of people would support it. They would see it and think dude, this guy makes sense, they are robbing us. So that’s perfect.” – Yener

Yener reportedly planned to disguise himself while planting the device and intended to communicate with NBC News post-attack. Additionally, federal authorities described Yener’s intentions as “a significant domestic threat” to national security.

Legal Proceedings and Implications

Yener’s arrest highlights the persistent threats government agencies face due to domestic and international terrorism. Officials emphasize the need for continued investigative and preventive measures. Yener has been detained while awaiting trial, with no attorney listed on his behalf yet. The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilantly monitoring potential security threats and underscores the diligent work of national security officers.

No further attempts have been made to reach Yener’s phone numbers for comments as calls have gone unanswered. This case remains a critical example of the dangers associated with both domestic terrorism threats and the instability such acts may precipitate.

Sources:

  1. Florida man says ‘I feel like Bin Laden’ after arrested over alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange
  2. Florida man arrested for alleged bomb plot targeting New York Stock Exchange

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