Florida Man Arrested In Alleged Plot To Blow Up NY Stock Exchange
A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to blow up the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in an effort to “reboot” the U.S. government. Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, born in 1994, was taken into custody and charged with attempting to use an improvised explosive device (IED) to destroy a building used in interstate or foreign commerce, according to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
The FBI began its investigation into Yener in February after receiving a tip that he was storing bomb-making materials in a storage unit in Coral Springs, Florida. A search of the unit uncovered bomb-making sketches, electronic timers, circuit boards, and other materials that could be used to construct explosives. Authorities also found that Yener had been searching for bomb-making techniques online as early as 2017.
In September, the FBI set up a meeting with Yener through an undercover agent, whom Yener believed to be part of a militia group. During their conversations, Yener reportedly discussed his plans to detonate an IED at the NYSE, with a target date set for November 18. He allegedly told the agent that he planned to wear a disguise and also recorded a message to be delivered to the media explaining his reasons for the attack.
In the recording, Yener compared himself to Osama bin Laden and reportedly expressed his intention to wage “war” against the U.S. government. He allegedly said, “Our war is with the government” and encouraged others to join his cause. Yener further stated that anyone opposing his views would face violent retaliation.
Yener also allegedly discussed potential future attacks, adding to concerns about the possible escalation of domestic terrorism. The criminal complaint detailed Yener’s previous interactions with extremist groups, including an attempt by ISIS recruiters to bring him overseas in 2015, which he ultimately rejected.
Yener was described as “unhoused” and having a history of making violent threats. In one incident, he allegedly threatened to bring guns to a workplace in Florida and referenced the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Additionally, Yener had a YouTube channel that promoted bomb-making tips and supported extremist ideologies.
This arrest underscores the ongoing concerns about domestic extremism and the rise of individuals plotting violent acts within the United States. As the FBI continues its investigation, Yener’s case raises questions about the growing threat of homegrown terrorism and the need for vigilant monitoring of extremist activities.
