A Florida man has been charged with planning a bomb attack on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in an alleged attempt to disrupt the U.S. government and “wake people up,” according to court documents released on Wednesday.
Harun Abdul-Malik Yener is accused of taking substantial steps toward carrying out the plot, which was reportedly scheduled for Thanksgiving week in 2024. Authorities say Yener constructed and tested components of an improvised explosive device (IED).
The FBI investigation began in February 2024 after receiving a tip about suspicious materials stored in a Coral Springs storage unit. Agents discovered bombmaking sketches, circuit boards, timers, and notebooks detailing explosive construction and combat preparations.
Further investigation of Yener’s online activity revealed years of research into bombmaking techniques, with Google searches dating back to 2017. He was also linked to YouTube videos providing instructions for building explosives.
In conversations with an FBI confidential source and undercover agents, Yener allegedly described his plan to bomb the NYSE as a way to “reset” or “reboot” the government. He identified the target for its symbolic significance and to disrupt U.S. arms sales abroad.
“I chose that target specifically because it not only has sentimental value, but it will hurt the U.S., at least delay them on their sales of arms to foreign countries,” Yener reportedly told an undercover agent.
Yener allegedly referred to the NYSE as an “ideal target,” claiming it lacked robust security. He described the potential impact of his bomb as comparable to “a small nuke,” capable of killing those inside and causing extensive damage to surrounding areas.
Court documents also reveal Yener recorded a message explaining his motives for the attack and discussed using disguises, including a FedEx uniform, to evade detection.
The investigation uncovered Yener’s history of extremist behavior. He reportedly tried to join anti-government militias, including the Boogaloo Boys and Proud Boys, but was rejected after expressing interest in martyrdom. In 2015, Yener claimed he was approached by individuals affiliated with ISIS but ultimately decided not to join.
In 2023, Yener was fired from a restaurant job after allegedly threatening co-workers, saying, “I’m about to go Parkland shooter in this place.”
Recently, Yener worked with undercover agents at a secure location to assemble and test IED components. He was arrested on November 7, 2024, after attempting to finalize the explosive device.
Yener now faces charges of attempting to destroy or damage a building involved in interstate commerce using explosives. No injuries or damages occurred, as law enforcement controlled the operation to prevent harm.