Florida Man Arrested for Alleged Plot to Bomb New York Stock Exchange, Cites Osama Bin Laden as Inspiration

Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, a Florida resident, has been detained on charges of plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Yener is accused of attempting to use an explosive device to target a building involved in interstate commerce.

The FBI launched an investigation into Yener in February after receiving a tip that he was storing bomb-making materials in an unsecured storage unit. A search of the Coral Springs facility revealed bomb-making diagrams, watches rigged with timers, circuit boards, and other electronics, according to court documents.

Yener reportedly recorded a video in which he likened himself to Osama Bin Laden, the late leader of al-Qaeda. He allegedly informed an undercover agent last week of plans to carry out the bombing before Thanksgiving on November 28, describing the act as “hella easy” and a “great hit.”

The court documents allege Yener researched bomb-making extensively online, planned to disguise himself during the attack, and intended to release a recorded message to the media afterward.

His stated goal was to “reset” or “reboot” the US government. He allegedly claimed the bombing would be catastrophic, comparing it to “a small nuke,” and stated that everything outside the building “will be wiped out” while those inside would not survive.

Authorities also discovered that Yener maintained a YouTube channel where he provided instructions on creating explosives using everyday items.

Currently homeless, Yener appeared in court on Wednesday and will remain in custody pending trial. His federal public defender has not yet commented on the case.

This arrest comes amid heightened national security concerns, including recent arrests of individuals in unrelated plots involving election day and threats against US officials.