FBI Arrests Florida Man Charged With Plotting NY Stock Exchange Bombing

The FBI arrested 30-year-old Harun Abdul-Malik Yener of Coral Springs, Florida, on Wednesday, charging him with planning an attack on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Yener allegedly intended to plant a bomb at the NYSE and detonate it remotely in an effort to "reboot" the U.S. government. The plot, which Yener had targeted for the week before Thanksgiving, was foiled after the FBI began investigating him earlier this year.

Yener was charged with attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.

The FBI began its investigation into Yener in February, following a tip that he was storing bomb-making schematics in a storage unit.

The authorities discovered various bomb-making materials, including timers, electronic circuit boards, and other equipment that could be used to create explosive devices.

People pass the New York Stock Exchange on Nov. 5, 2024, in New York. On Wednesday, FBI agents arrested a Florida man in connection with an alleged plot to bomb the New York Stock Exchange. Peter Morgan/AP Photo

Undercover Investigation Uncovers Details

Yener's online history revealed that he had been searching for bomb-making techniques since 2017, and he openly discussed his intentions with undercover FBI agents.

In conversations, Yener indicated that the bombing was intended to "wake people up." He allegedly described the attack as being "like a small nuke went off," targeting the stock exchange as a symbol of U.S. government and corporate power.

Court documents reveal that Yener had also been modifying two-way radios to function as remote triggers for explosives and planned to disguise himself during the attack. Despite these preparations, his plot was stopped before it could be carried out.

Troubling Background and Prior Threats

Yener was previously known for making explosive-related content on YouTube, where he posted videos about creating fireworks and explosives using household items.

His history of threatening behavior also surfaced when he was fired from a restaurant in Coconut Creek, Florida. According to his former supervisor, Yener had threatened to "go Parkland shooter in this place," referencing the tragic 2018 school shooting.

Yener's extremist affiliations were also explored during the investigation. He had attempted to join the far-right anti-government group "Boogaloo Bois" and the Proud Boys, but his applications were rejected. According to court documents, Yener expressed his desire for "martyrdom," a factor that led to his exclusion from these groups.

The FBI seal is pictured in Omaha, Neb., Aug. 10, 2022. On Wednesday, Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, of Coral Springs, Florida, was arrested by the FBI and charged with attempt to use an explosive device... Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo

First Court Appearance and Detention

Yener appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon, where he was formally charged and ordered detained while awaiting trial. No attorney was listed for him in the court records.

His case highlights the ongoing concern about extremism and domestic terrorism in the United States, where authorities continue to combat threats from individuals attempting to engage in violent acts with far-reaching political motives.

The case was first reported by CourtWatch, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press