Florida Man Charged with Plotting to Bomb the New York Stock Exchange

A Florida man, Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, has been arrested and charged with plotting a bomb attack on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The alleged plot, which targeted the week before Thanksgiving, involved bomb-making supplies, online bomb-building research, and a chilling statement where Yener reportedly compared himself to Osama Bin Laden.

The FBI Investigation

The FBI's investigation began in February after a tip revealed bomb-making materials stored in Yener's unlocked storage unit. Authorities discovered bomb-making sketches, timers, circuit boards, and other electronics during a search of the facility in Coral Springs, Florida.

Yener allegedly told an undercover agent that the attack would be "hella easy" and described the potential devastation as being "like a small nuke went off". He planned to wear a disguise and release a recorded message after the attack.

Yener's Motivation and Background

Investigators believe Yener's motive was to cause a "reboot" or "reset" of the US government. He reportedly maintained a YouTube channel with videos on making explosives from household items. Court documents indicate that Yener is homeless.

Yener appeared in court on Wednesday and is currently being held while awaiting trial.

This arrest comes on the heels of several recent national security incidents, including the arrests of an individual allegedly planning an attack to coincide with Election Day and a man accused of plotting to murder US officials on behalf of Iran.