In a major win for national security, federal authorities arrested Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, 30, in Florida for plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The suspect, whose delusional vision of destruction included resetting the U.S. government, has been charged with attempting to use an explosive device to destroy a building used in interstate commerce, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced Wednesday.
Yener’s twisted plans were foiled thanks to undercover FBI agents who infiltrated his network and turned his own strategy against him. The suspect allegedly worked with these agents, believing they were accomplices, to acquire bomb materials, conduct reconnaissance, and map out the deadly attack. According to court documents, Yener predicted the explosion would have an impact akin to “a small nuke,” with devastating consequences for anyone near the blast zone.
The investigation began in February 2024, when agents discovered bombmaking schematics and equipment in an unlocked Florida storage unit. Yener’s materials included circuit boards and timers—clear indicators of his intent. Despite claiming he rejected ISIS recruitment in 2015, Yener’s ideology remained steeped in violent extremism. He confessed to an undercover agent that his target wasn’t just the NYSE, but the entire structure of American society. His words? Chilling: “It’s about a reboot.”
Even more disturbing, Yener’s plans extended beyond the NYSE. He spoke of bombing civilian areas, including Walmart stores, if he wanted to maximize casualties. His brazen admission—recorded in conversations with FBI agents—exposed his warped rationale, claiming that attacks would earn public sympathy against perceived economic oppression.
The FBI also uncovered Yener’s YouTube channel, filled with tutorials on crafting explosives and setting traps. On November 12, the suspect recorded a deranged manifesto, likening himself to Bin Laden, and threatened those who opposed his so-called revolution.
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the arrest, calling it “a stark reminder of the threats we face from within.” Trump pledged to use every resource available to protect Americans, stating, “Under my administration, we will secure the homeland and ensure violent extremists like this can never harm our people.”
