US Police Arrest Homeless Man Suspected of Plotting to Bomb New York Stock Exchange

Background

According to the FBI, the suspect targeted the stock exchange building to trigger a ‘reboot’ of the US government. (EPA Images pic)

On Wednesday, US police arrested a homeless man suspected of plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange this week after he shared his plans with undercover officers, according to a court filing.

The Suspect

The suspect, identified as Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, was arrested after a months-long investigation by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who were allegedly asked by Yener to help find explosive components to build a pipe bomb.

Yener, a Florida native born in the US in 1994, thought the undercover agents were members of a militia he had sought to join.

Motive

His motive for the bombing was to create a “reboot” of the US government, according to the FBI.

He told the undercover agents he chose the Stock Exchange building in New York because “tons of people would support it.”

“I’ve already seen it, I know the layout of it, there is barely any security,” he later told police.

Evidence

A search of a storage unit owned by Yener turned up bombmaking sketches, timers, circuit boards and other electronics “that could be used for constructing explosive devices,” the FBI said.

Search warrants yielded internet browsing history for Yener involving “aspects of bombmaking” as early as 2017, and a search of his messages and emails revealed additional exchanges on the topic.

Conclusion

The arrest of Harun Abdul-Malik Yener highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in preventing and investigating terrorist plots. The FBI’s investigation and the quick actions of undercover officers likely prevented a potential tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the suspect’s motive for the bombing?
A: According to the FBI, the suspect’s motive was to create a “reboot” of the US government.

Q: How did the suspect plan to carry out the bombing?
A: The suspect allegedly planned to build a pipe bomb with the help of undercover agents.

Q: What evidence was found during the investigation?
A: A search of a storage unit owned by the suspect turned up bombmaking sketches, timers, circuit boards and other electronics. Internet browsing history and message exchanges also revealed the suspect’s interest in bombmaking.

Q: How was the suspect caught?
A: The suspect was arrested after a months-long investigation by the FBI and the undercover officers he had approached for help.