Florida Suspect Arrested For Allegedly Planning to Bomb NYSE

A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, was taken into custody on Wednesday and is accused of planning to execute the attack in New York City during the week of November 18.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced the arrest, stating that Yener is charged “with attempt[ing] to use an explosive device to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce,” as reported by Fox News.

Authorities revealed that Yener had unknowingly collaborated with undercover FBI agents while planning the attack. He reportedly instructed the agents to assist by “procuring the explosive element for the device, conducting surveillance of the business, and obtaining photos of the building to identify the precise location for detonating the explosive device.”

“Yener planned on wearing a disguise when planting the explosive device outside the business and recorded a message to be delivered to the press about his reasons for the attack,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed. According to prosecutors, Yener predicted the blast would be catastrophic, saying its impact would resemble a “small nuke” and that “[a]nything outside” the building “will be wiped out” while “[a]nything inside there would be killed.”

The FBI had been monitoring Yener since February 2024 after receiving a tip about bombmaking schematics stored in an unsecured storage unit in Coral Springs, Florida, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

A subsequent search of Yener’s apartment in March uncovered circuit boards, bomb construction plans, and timers made from watches. When interviewed, Yener admitted he had considered joining ISIS in 2015 after being approached by a self-identified member but ultimately decided against it.

“Yener said he decided not to join ISIS in 2015 because Yener believed ISIS would not ultimately succeed in achieving their objectives,” the court filings state.

Later, Yener connected with an undercover FBI agent he believed was part of a paramilitary organization. He disclosed his intention to bomb the NYSE during the week of November 18, 2024, claiming the act was meant to “reboot” or “reset” the U.S. government.

Over time, Yener shared his plans with undercover agents and a confidential source, reportedly demonstrating extensive knowledge of terrorist tactics and expressing interest in attacking civilian areas.

“Yener discussed how bombing a power plant would greatly inconvenience local government and the community,” the documents reveal. “Yener discussed that if one was interested in creating casualties, they might target a Walmart instead of a power plant.

“Yener told the CS [confidential source] if one wanted to minimize civilian casualties, they could target the Walmart at night when the store is less crowded.”

The FBI also found Yener’s YouTube channel, where he had posted tutorials on creating explosives and traps using household materials, along with videos about crafting bomb triggers.

Yener identified the NYSE as an ideal target, suggesting that “tons of people” would endorse the attack.

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

On November 12, Yener recorded a “demand statement” intended for NBC News, which he planned to release shortly after the attack. FBI agents also obtained a copy of the statement.

According to court documents, when an undercover FBI employee handed Yener a microphone to record the statement, he remarked, “I feel like Bin Laden.”

In the recorded message, Yener referred to the planned strikes as “a new revolution.”

“What you’ve just witnessed at the Stock Exchange and California was just the beginning of a new era,” he said in the statement.

“Be warned, if you raise your fist, we will cut them off. If you kick at us, we will break your legs. If you speak ill of us, we will chop out your tongue. If you aren’t willing to stand, then you will fall a victim.”