New York: A homeless Florida man, Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, was arrested by U.S. law enforcement on Wednesday for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in lower Manhattan. The arrest follows an undercover investigation in which Yener was recorded making alarming statements, including saying, “I feel like Bin Laden,” according to federal officials.
Plot and Investigation
The 27-year-old Yener, who had been living in Coral Gables, Florida, was charged with attempting to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce by means of an explosive. The FBI affidavit reveals that Yener took significant steps toward executing the bombing, which included discussions about setting off an improvised explosive device (IED) outside the NYSE.
Yener’s exact motives remain unclear, but investigators uncovered troubling details. In addition to his comment about al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, Yener reportedly expressed extremist views, including attempts to join right-wing militias and vocal anti-government sentiments. “This country is due for a revolution,” he allegedly said, according to the FBI.
Bomb-Making Materials and Threatening Conversations
The FBI began investigating Yener in February after receiving a tip that he had bomb-making schematics in a storage unit. During their investigation, agents found bomb-making sketches, timers, circuit boards, and other electronic components. In conversations with undercover agents, Yener discussed how an attack on the NYSE would serve as a “reboot” or “reset” for the U.S. government, according to the affidavit.
Also Read | Two Killed, Power Knocked Out in Washington, Oregon, and California as Storm Strikes
“The Stock Exchange, we want to hit that, because it will wake people up,” Yener said, expressing his intent to cause significant disruption. He allegedly sought a powerful enough device to “blow off the doors so that anything existing in there will be killed,” according to the FBI.
Also Read | US Senate Overwhelmingly Votes to Approve Military Sales to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
Legal Representation and Charges
Yener has been assigned a federal public defender, but their office has not yet responded to inquiries regarding his defense. He faces serious charges that could carry substantial penalties. The plot he allegedly attempted to execute highlights the ongoing risks posed by homegrown extremism and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.
