Averted is an attempt to execute an act of terror on the New York Stock Exchange by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). FBI operatives have captured Harun Abdul-Malik Yener, the alleged orchestrator of a scheme to wreak havoc on the iconic financial institution. He now faces charges that he plotted to employ an improvised explosive to jeopardize a structure involved in both interstate and international trade. Assertions in the court documents suggest Yener’s ultimate aim was a drastic restructuring or overhaul of the US government by setting off a remotely controlled blast at the stock exchange that would have had an effect akin to a small-scale nuclear explosion.
Investigators have unveiled some chilling claims made by Yener during their probe. He seemed to glorify the potential lethal capacity of his planned bomb, suggesting that anyone in the vicinity of the exchange would have been eradicated and that all inside the trading building would have not survived. Speaking with covert agents, Yener had stated: ‘The stock exchange is an optimal target… If attacked, it would resonate deeply with a lot of people. People would witness it and start understanding that we are under systemic exploitation. This makes for an excellent motive.’
Yener further elucidated the stock exchange’s attractiveness as a target, citing the relative ease of access, accompanied by a multitude of potential breaches in security, as per the statements recorded in the court documents. Observations made during his previous visits to the NYSE informed his belief about the lax security; he had familiarized himself with the layout and found the security practically non-existent.
The initiation of an inquiry into Yener’s activities by the FBI was prompted by an anonymous tip-off received in February 2024. The information claimed Yener had been storing ingredients needed to build a bomb in a storage unit located in Coral Springs, Florida. Infused with intrigue, the officials conducted a search that led to the discovery of sketches depicting the assembly of a bomb, various watches with timers, circuit boards, and a smattering of other paraphernalia customarily utilized in the creation of destructive devices.
During a session of questioning by law enforcement authorities, Yener divulged several revealing pieces of information about his past. He had aimed to integrate with domestic insurgency groups at one point, and he chalked up experience in the construction of explosives – both rockets and bombs.
The course of the investigation led Yener to a face-to-face meeting with an undercover agent, under the impression that the agent was an ally from a militant group. During this meeting, Yener revealed his intention to launch a terror attack on the New York Stock Exchange, declaring the 18th of November as the chosen date for his horrifying endeavor. To infiltrate the target, He anticipated camouflaging himself as a routine visitor, donning the garb of a florist, mailman, or a FedEx driver. Yener also intended to record a message dissecting his motive, to be disseminated to the media post the assault.
Earlier in the same year, Yener had considered other potential targets for a large-scale terror attack while interacting with a trustworthy undercover source. Some of these included local shopping centers, sports arenas, and educational institutions. Yener had envisioned himself carrying out his terror attacks by wearing a suicide vest and disturbing peaceful scenarios such as a populated Walmart on Black Friday, a filled-to-capacity football stadium during a game, or a school auditorium hosting a holiday event for children.
During multiple conversations with covert agents, Yener had also shared a plethora of alternative methods for executing his destructive plan. He had once discussed the possibility of purchasing a drone that could carry a detachable explosive, akin to a grenade. However, he quickly dismissed the concept, realizing that commercial drones are incapable of supporting such a heavy payload.
By the time October rolled in, Yener had refined his strategy and decided on a predawn attack on the NYSE. This decision was based on his perception that there would be a dearth of security personnel in the early hours, improving his odds of escaping unscathed post the blast. Although he admitted the potential implications of his actions and acknowledged the possibility that he may not return from his mission.
Demonstrating a realistic grasp of the situation, Yener shared his thoughts with an undercover officer: ‘Look, we’ve got to accept the fact, heading there might be a one-way trip.’ He added, ‘Theoretically, detonation around 2 or 2:30 in the morning would be ideal, less law enforcement around that time. Less backup, SWAT might not be easily available. So, a morning attack could provide a chance to get to the car and speed away.’
Soon after, Yener confidently stated, ‘The battlefield awaits; my weapon is being honed.’ By November, he began recording messages detailing his demands, intending to secure their delivery to NBC News on the day of his planned attack. Expressing excitement about his prospective act of terrorism, Yener likened his stance to that of historical figures of terrorism, stating, ‘I almost feel like Bin Laden.’
On November 12, he set his parting message in stone for the day of the planned attack. The declared intention for his hypothetical reign of terror established was ‘A new era, a revolution. The spectacle at the Stock Exchange today was just a precursor.’ Yener vehemently emphasized his discord with the government and encouraged others to rally to his cause, issuing a stern warning against those considering resistance.
He stressed in his message, ‘Be careful, resist and pay the price. If you dare to strike, expect retaliation in the harshest terms. Anyone expressing ill will towards us can expect their voice to be silenced; anyone not standing with us will fall a casualty.’
On November 20, the law enforcement agencies had collected sufficient evidence against Yener and successfully apprehended him, effectively thwarting his plan of destructing the New York Stock Exchange.