NYC Terror Plot Foiled: Virginia Man Charged

A Virginia man, Abdullah Azz al-Din Taha Muhammad Hassan, has been arrested and charged with planning a "mass casualty attack" on the Israeli consulate in Manhattan. The FBI alleges Hassan, who was facing deportation, provided bomb-making instructions and attack plans to an undercover FBI source.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/12/1200/675/israelconsulate.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Protesters near the Israeli consulate">

The Alleged Plot: Hassan's alleged plan involved using either small arms or an explosive vest. He reportedly believed New York City offered a multitude of targets and instructed the source to livestream the attack.

The Investigation: Fairfax County Police alerted federal authorities to Hassan's social media activity on X, which displayed radical and terrorist-leaning behavior, including praise for ISIS. The FBI subsequently engaged Hassan.

Reactions: The FBI reassured the New York Jewish community of their ongoing efforts to prevent threats. Israel's consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, expressed gratitude for thwarting the attack, stating that such attacks are an assault on Israel's sovereignty and must be combated globally.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/12/1200/675/israelconsulate1.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Sara Netanyahu and Ofir Akunis">

Charges: Hassan faces charges of distribution of information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction in furtherance of a federal crime.

This case highlights the ongoing vigilance required to counter potential terrorist threats in major cities like New York. The incident underscores the importance of community awareness and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.