List of unsuccessful terrorist plots in the United States post-9/11 explained

The following is a list of unsuccessful terrorist plots in the United States post-9/11. After the initiation of the War on Terrorism following the attacks of September 11, 2001, several terrorist plots aimed at civilian and military targets have failed to succeed. Many[''how many?''] such terrorism plots were created by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, with agents providing plans, materials, and encouragement to the supposed "terrorists" — often mentally unstable individuals, small-time criminals, and other vulnerable targets — and then arresting them on terrorism charges.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

George W. Bush administration (first term)

DateTargetDescriptionLocation of arrest or attemptSuspect(s)Status
December 22, 2001American Airlines Flight 63A man was put into custody after attempting to detonate a shoe bomb.[8] Paris to MiamiRichard ReidServing a life sentence without parole[9]
May 8, 2002UnknownA man was arrested after returning from Pakistan for allegedly attempting to build a dirty bomb.[10] Chicago, IllinoisJosé PadillaSentenced to 17 years in prison, but this changed to 21 years in 2014.[11]
March 13, 2003Brooklyn BridgeA man was arrested and accused of giving aid to al-Qaeda and attempting to destroy the Brooklyn Bridge[12] Columbus, OhioIyman FarisSentenced to 20 years in prison[13]
June 2003UnknownEleven members of the Virginia Jihad Network were arrested and accused of training for holy war around the globe.[14] Northern VirginiaAli al-Timimi, Ali Asad Chandia, et al.All sentenced to 20 or less years in prison[15]
November 28, 2003Shopping Mall in Columbus, Ohio.A man was arrested for planning to detonate a bomb in an Ohio shopping centre in what is known as the 2002 Columbus, Ohio shopping mall bombing plot.[16] Columbus, OhioNuradin M. AbdiSentenced in 2007 to 10 years.[17]
August 2004New York Stock Exchange, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the Citigroup CenterSecurity in the United States was put on high alert after a plot to destroy the New York Stock Exchange and other financial institutions in New Jersey and Washington surfaces.[18] United Kingdom and New York City, New YorkDhiren BarotSentenced to life in prison[19]
August 28, 200434th Street-Herald Square subway stationTwo men were arrested after attempting to bomb the New York City Subway on the day before the 2004 Republican National Convention[20] New York City, New YorkShahawar Matin Siraj and James ElshafaySentenced to 30 years in prison[21]
August 2004Pakistani diplomatTwo men were arrested at an Albany mosque after attempting to gain possession of a shoulder-fired grenade launcher to assassinate a Pakistani diplomat.[22] Albany, New YorkYassin Aref and Mohammed HossainBoth sentenced to 15 years in prison[23]

George W. Bush administration (second term)

DateTargetDescriptionLocation of arrest or attemptSuspect(s)Status
August 2005Los Angeles-area U.S. Armed Forces bases, synagogues and other placesFour men running an Islamic prison gang were arrested after allegedly attempting to destroy Los Angeles-area places.[24] Los Angeles, CaliforniaKevin James, et al.James sentenced to 16 years in prison[25]
December 2005Williams Natural Gas (Wyoming), Transcontinental Pipeline, Standard Oil refineryA man was arrested on suspicion that he had plans to destroy several sites.[26] PennsylvaniaMichael Curtis ReynoldsSentenced to 30 years in prison[27]
February 2006Troops in Iraq, Toledo, Ohio citizensThree men were arrested for allegedly planning to build bombs for use by terrorists in Iraq.[28] Toledo, OhioMohammad Zaki Amawi, et al.Amawi was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the others 13 and 8 years, respectively.[29]
April 2006Washington D.C.-area buildingsTwo men from Georgia were arrested after videotaping Washington-area buildings and sending the tapes to a London-based jihadist website.[30] Toronto, OntarioSyed Haris Ahmed and Ehsanul Islam SadequeeAhmed sentenced to 13 years in prison, Sadequee sentenced to 17.[31]
June 2006Sears Tower and FBI officesSeven men were arrested after allegedly plotting to bomb Sears Tower and FBI offices.[32] Miami, Florida, Atlanta, GeorgiaNarseal Batiste, et al.Five of the men were convicted. Batiste was sentenced to 13 years in prison.[33]
July 2006PATH tunnelsFinancial DistrictA man was arrested after allegedly attempting to bomb New York and New Jersey subway tunnels and flood the Financial District.[34] New York, New YorkAssem Hammoud
December 2006Cherryvale MallDerrick Shareef was charged after trying to trade stereo speakers for hand grenades and a handgun as part of a plan to terrorize shoppers at Cherryvale Mall in Rockford, Illinois during the holiday season.[35] Rockford, IllinoisDerrick Shareef
May 7, 2007Fort DixSix men were arrested after attempting an attack on the Fort Dix military base.[36] Fort Dix, New JerseyDritan Duka, et al.Four of the men received life sentences, one man received five years in prison and the other received 33[37]
June 3, 2007John F. Kennedy International AirportFour men were arrested in New York after a plot is revealed to bomb the fuel line of JFK airport.[38] New York City, New YorkAbdul Kadir, et al.Kadir sentenced to life imprisonment.[39]

Barack Obama administration (first term)

DateTargetDescriptionLocation of arrest or attemptSuspect(s)
May 20, 2009New York City synagogues/U.S. military aircraftFour men were arrested in New York after a plot is revealed to blow up two synagogues and shoot down a U.S. military aircraft.[40] New York City, New YorkJames Cromitie, et al.
July 27, 2009UnspecifiedMultiple men arrested for planning an attack.[41] Near Raleigh, North CarolinaDaniel Patrick Boyd, et al.
September 19, 2009New York City SubwayZazi, a native of Afghanistan who lived in Colorado, was arrested and convicted of plotting to bomb the New York City Subway system. He was trained by al-Qaeda in Pakistan. 5 others were also indicted on related charges. "[42] New York City, New YorkNajibullah Zazi, et al.
September 24, 2009Federal Building, Springfield, ILA 29 year old was arrested on charges that he intended to bomb the Paul Findley Federal Building in Springfield, IL.[43] Springfield, IllinoisMichael Finton
September 24, 2009Fountain PlaceA 19-year-old was arrested on charges that he intended to bomb a downtown Dallas skyscraper.[44] The suspect was sentenced to 24 years in prison in 2010.[45] Dallas, TexasHosam Maher Husein Smadi
October 16, 2009Various overseas targetsColleen LaRose, also known as JihadJane and Fatima LaRose, is an American citizen charged with terrorism-related crimes, including conspiracy to commit murder and providing material support to terrorists. Lars Vilks was a named target in response to drawings of Muhammad.[46] Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaColleen LaRose, et al.
December 25, 2009Northwest Airlines Flight 253A 23-year-old man was arrested after Northwest Airlines passengers jumped him to avoid his detonating an explosive device above the city of Detroit.[47] The explosive had been concealed in his underwear. He was convicted of eight federal criminal counts, including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted mass murder. On February 16, 2012, he was sentenced to 4 life terms plus 50 years without parole.Detroit, MichiganAbdul Farouk Abdulmutallab
May 1, 2010Times SquareA Pakistani American who attempted the May 1, 2010 Times Square car bombing. He was arrested after he had boarded Emirates Flight 202 to Dubai. On June 21, 2010, in Federal District Court in Manhattan he confessed to 10 counts arising from the bombing attempt.[48] He was sentenced to life imprisonment.New York City, New YorkFaisal Shahzad
September 20, 2010Wrigley FieldA man was arrested for putting a backpack he thought was filled with explosives at the baseball stadium.[49] In 2013, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison.[50] Chicago, IllinoisSami Samir Hassoun
October 27, 2010Arlington Cemetery stationA Pakistani-born Virginia man was arrested and accused of casing Washington-area subway stations in what he thought was an al-Qaeda plot to bomb and kill commuters.[51] Arlington, VirginiaFarooque Ahmed
November 26, 2010Pioneer Courthouse SquareA Somalian-American attempted to light what he thought was a bomb at the public square in what is known as the 2010 Portland car bomb plot.[52] Portland, OregonMohamed Osman Mohamud
May 12, 2011A synagogue and the Empire State Building in New York CityIn what is known as the 2011 Manhattan terrorism plot, two men were arrested after planning an attack in multiple locations in New York City.[53] In 2013, one of the men was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while the other one was sentenced to 5 years.[54] [55] New York CityAhmed Ferhani, Mohamed Mamadouh
September 28, 2011The Pentagon and United States CapitolRezwan Ferdaus, a U.S. citizen of Bangladeshi descent born and raised in Massachusetts, was arrested on September 28, 2011, for allegedly plotting to attack The Pentagon and United States Capitol with remote-controlled model aircraft carrying explosives. He was also charged for assembling IED detonators to be used in al-Qaeda plots to attack U.S. soldiers abroad.[56] Arlington, Virginia; Washington, D.C.Rezwan Ferdaus
January 7, 2012Tampa and various other targetsSami Osmakac is a man who allegedly plotted an attack, to avenge what he felt were wrongs done to Muslims, in the area around Tampa, Florida. Osmakac, an Albanian from Kosovo and a naturalized US citizen, was arrested January 7, 2012, for the alleged attack plan, which involved bombing nightclubs, detonating a car bomb, using an assault rifle, wearing an explosive belt in a crowded area, and taking hostages.[57] Tampa, FloridaSami Osmakac
February 17, 2012United States CapitolA Moroccan man who was arrested by the FBI for allegedly plotting to carry out a suicide bombing on the United States Capitol. El Khalifi thought he was working with al-Qaeda operatives, but was in contact with undercover FBI agents. He was sentenced to prison for 30 years in September 2012.[58] Washington, D.C.Amine El Khalifi
May 19, 20122012 Chicago summitThree men were arrested after a raid an apartment, seized pipe bomb instructions, an improvised mortar made of PVC piping, a crossbow, knives, Shurikens, a map of Chicago and four fire bombs, authorities confirmed.[59] [60] On April 25, 2014, the three men were sentenced to eight to five years in prison, considerably reducing initial penalties of up to thirty years.[61] [62] [63] ChicagoBrian Jacob Church, and Brent Betterly, and Jared Chase
October 17, 2012Federal Reserve Bank of New YorkA Bangladeshi man was charged with trying to blow up the Federal Reserve building in New York. While Nafis believed he had the blessing of al-Qaeda and was acting on behalf of the terrorist group, he has no known ties, according to federal officials.[64] In 2013, the individual was sentenced to 30 years in prison.[65] New York City, New YorkQuazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis

Barack Obama administration (second term)

DateTargetDescriptionLocation of arrest or attemptSuspect(s)
April 2013Times SquareAfter the Tsarnaev brothers successfully carried out the Boston Marathon bombing, they planned to use leftover explosives to terrorize Times Square in New York City, but after carjacking Dun Meng, a Chinese graduate student, the plot was foiled after he escaped and called the police leading them to the Tsarnaev's location. A shootout ensued resulting in the death of Tamerlan. Dzhokhar was captured later that day after a citywide manhunt was declared to pin down his exact location.Watertown, MassachusettsDzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev
January 2014Mosques, an Islamic school, the White HouseGlendon Scott Crawford and Eric J. Feight of Galway, New York, were arrested in January 2014 for attempting to construct a remote control radiation-emitting device to be used to attack a number of targets. Crawford and Feight were to use the machine to attack Mosques, Islamic schools, and to kill then U.S. President Barack Obama. Feight received an 8-year federal prison sentence and was released in 2020. Crawford was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and is scheduled for release in 2038.[66] [67] [68] Galway, New YorkEric Feight, Glendon Scott Crawford
January 16, 2015United States CapitolA Ohio man inspired by ISIS planned to attack the government building by launching pipe bombs and then shoot anyone fleeing the carnage.[69] In 2016, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.[70] OhioChristopher Cornell
February 14, 2015Courthouse, bank, forest festival, first respondersA West Virginia man had stockpiled C-4, dynamite and other weapons (including a sniper rifle to target first responders) to allegedly attack a federal courthouse, a bank, and the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins.[71] Elkins, West VirginiaJonathan Leo Schrader
March 14, 2014Attempted theft of a stock car, banks and attack government buildings and kill law enforcement officersA man from Katy, Texas was arrested,after a nearly eight-month operation by the FBI, Secret Service, Houston Police and Harris Sheriff's Office, investigated after creating a Facebook page called "American Insurgent Movement", with the aim of recruiting five of six persons for tried to theft of a stock car and banks, and start a ring of attacks against government buildings and law enforcements in the Greater Houston zone.[72] [73] [74] Katy, TexasRobert James Talbot Jr
April 2015New York CityA plot to build a pressure cooker bomb in New York City[75] was arranged by Asia Siddiqui, a Pakistani American,[76] and Noelle Velentzas. Siddiqui was in contact with Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, while Velentzas seemed to support the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). The two had researched bomb-making and purchased bomb making materials but were arrested before they selected a target.[77]

The women were arrested on April 2, 2015. According to the complaint, officers found "three propane gas tanks, soldering tools, pipes, a pressure cooker, fertilizer, flux, detailed handwritten notes on the recipes for bomb making, and extensive jihadist literature" at Siddiqui's apartment. Velentzas had information on creating bombs from propane tanks and a picture of Osama bin Laden. Velentzas also questioned why people would travel to Syria when there were ways of "pleasing Allah" in the United States. The two had been roommates until shortly before their arrest. Their plot was exposed by an undercover agent posing as a third conspirator.[78] [79] In 2020, one of the women was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while the other suspect was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2021.[80] [81]

New York CityAsia Siddiqui, Noelle Velentzas
June 2015New York CityThe men had sought to detonate a pressure cooker bomb in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.[82] [83] Queens, New YorkMunther Omar Saleh, et al.
September 11, 20159/11 Memorial event in Kansas City, MissouriA Jewish American man, Joshua Ryne Goldberg, posing as an Australian ISIS supporter, attempted to get an FBI confidential informant to detonate a bomb at a Kansas City, Missouri September 11 attacks memorial event. Goldberg attempted to persuade the confidential informant to coat the shrapnel of the bomb in rat poison in order to maximize casualties.[84] [85] [86] [87] On December 20, 2017, Goldberg pleaded guilty to attempted malicious damage and destruction by an explosive of a building.[88] Orange Park, FloridaJoshua Ryne Goldberg
April, 2016Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center in Aventura, FloridaA man was arrested on May 2, 2016 for planning to bomb a Jewish center in Florida.[89] He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2017.[90] Hollywood, FloridaJames Gonzalo Medina
September 17–19, 20162016 New York and New Jersey bombingsOn the morning of September 17, a pipe bomb exploded in Seaside Park, New Jersey. Later that day, a homemade pressure cooker bomb went off in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. A second pressure cooker bomb was discovered four blocks away. Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi was not part of a terrorist group, but his actions were believed to have been influenced by the extremist Islamic ideology.New York, New JerseyAhmad Khan Rahimi
October 14, 2016Mosque and apartment complex in Garden City, Kansas.Three individuals who called themselves "The Crusaders," were arrested after plotting to murder Somalian immigrants.[91] [92] All three men were sentenced to at least 25 years in prison in 2019.[93] [94] Wichita, KansasPatrick Eugene Stein, Curtis Allen, Gavin Wright.
December 4, 2016Comet Ping Pong in Washington, D.C.A man from North Carolina who believed in the Pizzagate conspiracy theory opened fire inside a restaurant because he wanted to save children he believed were trapped in the building's basement by political elites.[95] [96] No one was injured or killed, and he was sentenced to 4 years in prison.[97] Washington, D.C.Edgar Maddison Welch
December 27, 2016Jefferson, Iowa Law Enforcement Center Carroll, IowaA Jefferson, Iowa man was tracked by an undercover operative while planning a joint "suicide by cop" attack with his wife, Joey Goodwin against the Greene County Law Enforcement Center in Jefferson, Iowa. This facility housed both the County Sheriff's Department and the local Police. The two had faced various felony burglary-related charges and, according to the informant, were "not going to prison under any circumstances." Tyson Ruth of Jefferson, Iowa, had compiled a vast array of weapons including an illegal-in-Iowa automatic rifle, tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition, explosives and had been propagating the growth of bacteria that cause anthrax and botulism. The couple had planned a biological attack on various civilian installations including public schools and the local hospital. At the time of initial arrest, some but not all of the weapons, ammunition, bacteria, explosives and two full Kevlar® body suits were confiscated as evidence. The informant was unsatisfied with the extremely light-handed charges for which the Carroll County Attorney, John Werden sought conviction, so he contacted Greene County Law Enforcement directly asking that Federal Agents be brought in to investigate. A secondary search warrant was executed by divisions of the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and the FBI/JTTF and the entirety of evidence was secured. Ruth was charged and then convicted on federal weapons charges.Carroll, IowaTyson Ruth, Joey Goodwin

Donald Trump administration

DateTargetDescriptionLocation of arrest or attemptSuspect(s)
August 12, 2017BancFirst in Oklahoma City, OklahomaA man tried to detonate a bomb near a bank in downtown Oklahoma City when the van actually contained fake explosives set up by law enforcement.[98] In 2020, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison.[99] Oklahoma CityJerry Drake Varnell
October 22, 2017Amtrak train and African-AmericansWhile a passenger train was traveling through Nebraska, a man trespassed into a forbidden section and activated the emergency brakes.[100] In 2018, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.[101] Furnas County, NebraskaTaylor Michael Wilson
December 4, 2017Islamic Center of Northeast Florida in JacksonvilleA 69-year-old man was arrested for planning a shooting at a mosque.[102] He was sentenced to 5 years in 2018.[103] Jacksonville, FloridaBernardino (Bernandino) Gawala Bolatete
December 20, 2017San Francisco, California Pier 39Former U.S. Marine from Modesto, California, arrested for plotting a Christmas terrorist attack at San Francisco's very popular Pier 39 on behalf of ISIS. He planned to strategically bomb the pier to funnel people into a crowd, then begin with a mass shooting. The FBI stopped his plan after attention was brought to his pro-ISIS Facebook posts. Fall 2017, he was caught communicating with undercover FBI agents posing as ISIS recruiters, saying he was "wholehearted committed to the cause" and could provide "U.S. military resource" along with money to ISIS.[104] Modesto, CaliforniaEveritt Aaron Jameson
July 2, 2018Multiple locations in Cleveland, OhioA man who harbored sympathetic views to Al-Qaeda was arrested due to his plans to set off explosives at an Independence Day celebration.[105] He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2020.[106] Cleveland, OhioDemetrius Nathaniel Pitts (Abdur Raheem Rafeeq)
December 10, 2018Jewish synagogue in OhioAn ISIS supporter named Damon M. Joseph is arrested for attempting an attack on a synagogue. Joseph was inspired by the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting perpetrator Robert Bowers and told the police that he admired him and wished to carry out an attack similar to Bowers.[107] In 2021, Joseph was sentenced to 20 years in prison.[108] Toledo, OhioDamon M. Joseph
December 10, 2018Toledo barElizabeth Lecron and Vincent Armstrong were arrested for plotting an "upscale mass murder" at a bar in Toledo using explosives. Elizabeth Lecron had been a fan of Charleston church shooting assailant Dylann Roof having been in active correspondence with him and sending him a book about Belgian Waffen-SS Nazi leader Léon Degrelle. Lecron had already created a Tumblr page celebrating the church shooting in Charleston titled "charlestonchurchmiracle" as well as various other murderers. The two would be indicted on January 3, 2019.[109] [110] [111] In November, 2019, Lecron was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Armstrong was sentenced to 6 years the following month.[112] [113] Toledo, OhioElizabeth Lecron and Vincent Armstrong
February 20, 2019Democratic, left-wing and socialist politicians, media personalities, and organizationsA U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant from Silver Spring, Maryland, Christopher Paul Hasson, arrested for unlawful firearm possession and drug charges. Prosecutors say Hasson followed the manifesto of Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik. Federal agents recovered 15 firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition from Hasson's Silver Spring apartment, and they said he had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition since 2017. Hasson was a self-proclaimed white nationalist and neo-Nazi skinhead who was inspired by terrorist Anders Behring Breivik the 2011 Norway attacks perpetrator and supported turning the Pacific Northwest into an all-white homeland and sent a letter to Harold Covington of the Northwest Front, and had compiled an extensive 'hit list' targeting various Democratic and left-leaning politicians, lawmakers, media personalities, as well as journalists working for CNN and MSNBC and the organizations Democratic Socialists of America and Social Democrats, USA. According to email documents, Hasson planned "biological attacks followed by attack [sic] on food supply", and a "bombing/sniper campaign".[114] Silver Spring, MarylandChristopher Paul Hasson
April 29, 2019White nationalist rally, Jews, Churches, Police officers and the Santa Monica PierA U.S. Army veteran with ties to ISIS was planning to bomb a white nationalist rally held by the United Patriot National Front (UPNF) in retribution for the Christchurch mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand. He was also planning attacks on Jews, churches, police officers and the Santa Monica Pier.[115] In 2021, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison.[116] Long Beach, California and Los Angeles, CaliforniaMark Domingo
June 7, 2019Times Square, New York CityAuthorities arrested Ashiqul Alam, who planned to attack Times Square in New York City, New York with grenades, guns and a suicide vest.[117] New York City, New YorkAshiqul Alam
June 20, 2019Church in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAn individual who came as a refugee from Syria in 2016 was arrested due to planning to bomb a church in support of the terrorist group ISIS.[118] [119] He was sentenced in 2022 to 17 years in prison.[120] Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaMustafa Alowemer
August 9, 2019Synagogue and LGBT bar in Las Vegas, NevadaAn individual was charged with planning to bomb a synagogue and LGBT themed bar.[121] [122] In 2020, he was sentenced to 2 years in prison.[123] Las Vegas, NevadaConor Climo
November 1, 2019Temple EmanuelA white supremacist was arrested in a plot to bomb a historical synagogue in a Colorado town.[124] [125] The suspect pled guilty to a federal hate crime in October of 2020.[126] [127] In 2021, he was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison.[128] Pueblo, ColoradoRichard Holzer
June 3, 2020BLM protests in Las Vegas, NevadaThree men who were part of the Boogaloo movement were arrested.[129] Their plan was to use Molotov cocktails to instigate violence at ongoing protests following the murder of George Floyd.[130] [131] [132] On July 30, 2020, one of the men was charged with child sexual exploitation.[133] He was convicted of both the exploitation and terrorism charges in 2023, which amounted to life in prison plus 33 years.[134] [135] Las Vegas, NevadaStephen Parshall, Andrew Lynam, William Loomis
August 2020Power stations in AmericaIn August 2020, three individuals, all from different locations: Columbus, Ohio, West Lafayette, Indiana, and Katy, Texas were investigated by the FBI.[136] The goal was to attack power grids around America in the hopes of inciting a race war and economic collapse.[137] [138] Multiple locations across AmericaJohnathan Allen Frost, Christopher Brenner Cook, Jackson Matthew Sawall
October 8, 2020Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan State Capitol, Michigan State PoliceThe Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 13 members of the Wolverine Watchmen militia, who plotted to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan.[139] The plot was foiled by FBI informants in-person and online who had been reporting since March 2020. The capitol building of Michigan and the Michigan State Police were also targeted by the conspirators for acts of violence.Michigan13 Wolverine Watchmen militia members

Joe Biden administration

DateTargetDescriptionLocation of arrest or attemptSuspect(s)
April 9, 2021Amazon's data center in Ashburn, VirginiaA man wanted to destroy the data storage place of the company in hopes of bringing parts of the internet down.[140] Later in 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.[141] Fort Worth, TexasSeth Aaron Pendley
May 30, 2021A Walmart in TexasA man was arrested after making threats and planning a mass shooting.[142] [143] Kerrville, TexasColeman Thomas Blevins
July 21, 2021Thousands of WomenA 21-year-old was who was a self-identified "incel" was arrested for planning to massacre thousands of people in Ohio.[144] [145] In 2024, he was sentenced to 6 years in prison.[146] Hillsboro, OhioTres Genco
September 13, 2022DemocratsA man walked into a local Dairy Queen with a rainbow clown wig on his head stating that he wanted to kill "all Democrats" and was arrested without harming anyone.[147] [148] Delmont, PennsylvaniaJan Stawovy
December 2022-January 2023People affiliated with the Democratic Party of New MexicoA failed candidate of the 2022 New Mexico House of Representatives election believed his loss was due to voter fraud, and ordered people on his behalf to shoot at politicians' homes.[149] Despite property damage, no one was harmed, but the bullets caused dust to land on the 10-year-old daughter of one of the targets.[150] Albuquerque, New MexicoJose Louis Trujillo, Solomon Peña
June 18, 2023Synagogue in East Lansing, Michigan.A 19-year-old was charged after planning to attack a synagogue.[151] [152] He was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison in 2024.[153] Pickford, MichiganSeann Patrick Pietila
October 5, 2023Wisconsin Governor Tony EversA man showed up to the State Legislature with a handgun demanding to see the governor, and was arrested, only to return later in the day with an assault rifle, in which he was arrested again, with nobody being harmed in both incidents.[154] [155] Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WisconsinJoshua Pleasnick
January 2, 2024Colorado Supreme Court in Denver, ColoradoA man broke into the building that houses the highest-ranking judicial system in the state of Colorado and was arrested with no one being injured.[156] [157] Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial CenterBrandon Olsen

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. News: Fake terror plots, paid informants: the tactics of FBI 'entrapment' questioned . 16 November 2011 . . Paul . Harris.
  2. News: Terrorist Plots, Hatched by the F.B.I. . David K. . Shipler . 28 April 2012 . The New York Times.
  3. News: The FBI Goes To Disturbing Lengths To Set Up Potential Terrorists . Paul . Szoldra . 11 March 2013 . Business Insider.
  4. News: US: Terrorism Prosecutions Often An Illusion . 21 July 2014 . Human Rights Watch.
  5. News: Government agents 'directly involved' in most high-profile US terror plots. . 21 July 2014 . Spencer . Ackerman .
  6. News: Report: All But Four Of The High-Profile Domestic Terrorism Plots In The Last Decade Were Crafted From The Ground Up By The FBI . Tim . Cushing . . 23 July 2014.
  7. News: Why Does the FBI Have to Manufacture its Own Plots if Terrorism and ISIS Are Such Grave Threats? . Glenn . Greenwald . 26 February 2015 . The Intercept.
  8. News: Courage In The Air. https://web.archive.org/web/20030206215951/http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101020909/aattendants.html. dead. February 6, 2003. Thomas. Cathy Booth. September 1, 2002. Time Magazine. Time Inc. January 8, 2010.
  9. News: THREATS AND RESPONSES: THE BOMB PLOT; Unrepentant Shoe Bomber Is Given a Life Sentence For Trying to Blow Up Jet. Belluck. Pam. January 31, 2003. New York Times. January 8, 2010.
  10. News: Profile: Jose Padilla. August 16, 2007. BBC News. British Broadcasting Company. January 8, 2010.
  11. News: Padilla given long jail sentence . January 23, 2008. BBC News. British Broadcasting Company. January 8, 2010.
  12. News: Ohio trucker joined al Qaeda jihad. Arena . Kelli . Terry Frieden . June 19, 2003 . Cable News Network. Time Warner. January 8, 2010.
  13. Web site: IYMAN FARIS SENTENCED FOR PROVIDING MATERIAL SUPPORT . October 28, 2003. United States Department of Justice. United States Federal Government. January 8, 2010.
  14. News: Spreading Saudi Fundamentalism in U.S.. https://web.archive.org/web/20110224024342/http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A31402-2003Oct1?language=printer. dead. February 24, 2011. Schmidt. Susan. October 2, 2003. Washington Post. January 8, 2010.
  15. Web site: RANDALL TODD ROYER AND IBRAHIM AHMED AL-HAMDI SENTENCED FOR PARTICIPATION IN VIRGINIA JIHAD NETWORK. April 9, 2004. United States Department of Justice. United States Federal Government. January 8, 2010.
  16. Web site: FBI: Somali planned to blow up mall.
  17. Web site: 10-Year Sentence For Ohio Mall Bomb Plot. .
  18. News: Al-Qaeda plotter jailed for life . November 7, 2006. BBC News. British Broadcasting Company. January 8, 2010.
  19. News: Al-Qaeda plotter jailed for life . November 7, 2006. BBC News. British Broadcasting Company. January 9, 2010.
  20. Web site: Convicted Subway Terror Plotter Gets 5 Years . March 2, 2007 . CBS . CBS Broadcasting Inc . January 8, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090707195912/http://wcbstv.com/local/subway.terrorist.sentence.2.242570.html . July 7, 2009 .
  21. Web site: Convicted Subway Bomb Plotter's Family Released. https://archive.today/20120907053834/http://www.ny1.com/1-all-boroughs-news-content/top_stories/?SecID=1000&ArID=66201. dead. September 7, 2012. January 25, 2007. NY1 News. January 9, 2010.
  22. Web site: Mosque welcomed in informant . Lyons . Brendan . August 8, 2004 . Times Union . Hearst Corporation . January 8, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080604055511/http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=273922&category=MOSQUEARREST&BCCode=&newsdate=1%2F5%2F2006 . June 4, 2008 .
  23. News: Defiant note at sentencing: Albany Muslims protest their convictions as they receive 15 years each in fake plot. March 9, 2007. Times Union. Gale Group.
  24. News: Four charged with hatching prison terror plot. August 31, 2005. NBC News. Associated Press. January 8, 2010.
  25. News: Man behind SoCal terrorism plot gets 16 years. March 6, 2009. San Francisco Chronicle. Associated Press. January 9, 2010.
  26. News: FRIDAY: U.S. man found guilty in alleged plot to blow up pipelines (3:16 p.m.). July 13, 2007. Niagara Gazettee. Associated Press. January 8, 2010. dead. https://archive.today/20120907194245/http://www.niagara-gazette.com/nationalstate/gnnnationalstate_story_194151632.html. September 7, 2012.
  27. Web site: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced in Terror Plot to Aid Al Qaeda . November 9, 2007 . Anti-Defamation League . January 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110604095842/http://www.adl.org/main_Terrorism/reynolds_sentenced.htm . June 4, 2011 .
  28. Web site: 3 charged in terror plot; local suspects planned attacks in Iraq, U.S. says. Hall. Christina. Mike Wilkinson . February 22, 2006. Toledo Blade. Toledo Blade Company. January 8, 2010.
  29. News: 3 Toledo convicted terrorists sentenced. Hegarty. Shaun. John Seewer. Michelle Zepeda. October 21, 2009. Fox Toledo. Associated Press. January 9, 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110711022628/http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/wupw_ap_local_terror_suspect_gets_20_years_in_prison_10212009ds. July 11, 2011.
  30. Web site: Ex-Tech student found guilty on terrorism charge. Rankin. Bill. June 10, 2009. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. January 8, 2010.
  31. Web site: Terrorism Defendants Sentenced in Atlanta. December 14, 2009. United States Department of Justice. United States Federal Government. January 9, 2010.
  32. News: Indictment: Suspects wanted to 'kill all the devils we can'. Bohn. Kevin. Drew Griffin . Susan Candiotti . John Zarrella . Jeanne Meserve . Mike Brooks . June 24, 2006. Cable News Network. Time Warner. January 8, 2010.
  33. News: Sears Tower Plot Leader Gets 13 Years. November 20, 2009 . CBS News. CBS Interactive Inc. January 9, 2010.
  34. News: Manhattan tunnel terror plot foiled, say US police. July 7, 2006. The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited . January 8, 2010. London.
  35. News: Man accused of terror plot on CherryVale Mall appears in court. December 21, 2006. Daily Chronicle. DeKalb Daily Chronicle. May 5, 2019. Rockford. April 4, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190404195843/https://www.daily-chronicle.com/2006/12/21/man-accused-of-terror-plot-on-cherryvale-mall-appears-in-court/aqriqsz/news04.txt. dead.
  36. News: Six Charged in Plot To Attack Fort Dix. Eggen. Dan. Dale Russakoff . May 9, 2007. Washington Post. January 8, 2010.
  37. News: Fifth Man Convicted in Fort Dix Terror Plot Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison. April 29, 2009. Fox News. Associated Press. January 9, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20090503100437/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,518337,00.html. May 3, 2009. dead. mdy-all.
  38. News: U.S.: 'Unthinkable' terror devastation prevented. June 3, 2007. NBC News. Associated Press. January 8, 2010.
  39. Web site: Abdul Kadir Sentenced to Life in Prison for Conspiring to Commit Terrorist Attack at JFK Airport. FBI.
  40. News: Authorities: New York Terror Suspects Wanted to 'Commit Jihad' in Synagogue Bomb Plot. May 21, 2009. Fox News. Fox News Network. January 8, 2010.
  41. Web site: Arrests in Terror Case Bewilder Associates. .
  42. News: Julian Cummings . Najibullah Zazi pleads guilty in New York terrorism plot . CNN.com . January 21, 2014 . February 23, 2010.
  43. Web site: Suspect in Illinois Bomb Plot 'Didn't Like America Very Much'. .
  44. Web site: FBI: Bomb plot targeting Dallas skyscraper foiled. Gillman. Todd. Jason Trahan . Scott Goldstein . September 25, 2009. Dallas Morning News. Dallas Morning News Inc.. January 8, 2010.
  45. Web site: Texas: Jordanian Sentenced in Bomb Plot. .
  46. News: 'Jihad Jane' Colleen LaRose pleads guilty to conspiracy to murder in alleged plot to kill cartoonist . Articles.nydailynews.com . February 2, 2011 . January 21, 2014 . New York.
  47. News: Terror Attempt Seen as Man Tries to Ignite Device on Jet . O'Connor. Anahad. Eric Schmitt . December 26, 2009. New York Times. January 8, 2010.
  48. Web site: USDOJ: Faisal Shahzad Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to 10 Federal Crimes Arising from Attempted Car Bombing in Times Square . Justice.gov . June 21, 2010 . January 21, 2014.
  49. Web site: Man Arrested After Planting Fake Bomb in Chicago. CBS Texas. September 20, 2010.
  50. Web site: Would-be Chicago backpack bomber gets 23 years. USA Today. May 30, 2013.
  51. News: Alicia A. Caldwell . Farooque Ahmed Arrested For Plotting DC Terrorist Attack . Huffingtonpost.com . January 21, 2014 . October 27, 2010 . December 19, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131219232805/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/27/farooque-ahmed-arrested-f_n_774841.html . dead .
  52. Web site: F.B.I. Says Oregon Suspect Planned 'Grand' Attack. .
  53. Web site: Two held without bail in NYC terror plot. .
  54. Web site: Ferhani Gets 10-Year Sentence in Synagogue-Bombing Plot. .
  55. Web site: Mohamed Mamdouh gets 5 years for plotting to blow up synagogues. New York Daily News.
  56. News: Massachusetts man sentenced to 17 years after FBI terrorism sting . Malone . Scott . Reuters. . 1 November 2012 .
  57. Web site: Florida Man Charged With Plotting Terror Campaign in Name of Islam. The New York Times.
  58. News: Amine El-Khalifi, Man In Capitol Bomb Plot, Sentenced To 30 Years . Huffingtonpost.com . January 21, 2014 . September 14, 2012 . December 19, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131219233112/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/14/amine-el-khalifi-sentence_n_1883412.html . dead .
  59. Web site: Three convicted of some charges tied to 2012 Chicago NATO plot. Reuters. 2024-04-17.
  60. Web site: 'NATO 3' Terror Suspects in Court. WTTW. 2024-04-17.
  61. Web site: Jury Finds NATO 3 Guilty Of Lesser Chargeswork=CBS News. . 2024-04-17.
  62. Web site: Who are the NATO 3?. Chicago Tribune. 2024-04-17.
  63. Web site: Five to Eight Years for NATO 3. Defending Rights & Dissidents. 2024-04-17.
  64. News: Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis Probed By Bangladesh Police; Teachers, Classmates Questioned . Huffingtonpost.com . January 21, 2014 . October 20, 2012 . December 19, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131219233048/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/20/quazi-mohammad-rezwanul-ahsan-nafis-probed-bangladesh-police_n_1992453.html . dead .
  65. Web site: 30-Year Prison Sentence in Plot to Bomb U.S. Bank. .
  66. News: Eric Feight gets 8 years in 'death ray' plot against Muslims.
  67. News: Upstate New York Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Providing Material Support to Terrorists.
  68. Web site: 2016-12-19 . New York Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Plot to Kill Muslims . 2023-06-11 . www.justice.gov . en.
  69. Web site: Ohio Man Arrested for Alleged ISIS-Inspired Plot on US Capitol, FBI Says. ABC News. January 14, 2015.
  70. Web site: Ohio Man Sentenced for Planned Attack on US Capitol in 2015. NBC4 Washington. December 5, 2016.
  71. News: For the record. Southern Poverty Law Center.
  72. Web site: Katy Man Charged with Multiple Crimes, Including Possession of Explosive Materials. Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2023-09-01.
  73. Web site: Katy Man Ordered to Prison for Attempted Robbery and Solicitation to Commit a Crime of Violence. Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2023-09-01.
  74. Web site: FBI SMASHES ALLEGED RADICAL-RIGHT TERROR PLOT IN TEXAS. Southern Poverty Law Center. 2023-09-01.
  75. Web site: Two Queens Residents Charged with Conspiracy to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Feb 16, 2017.
  76. Web site: Pakistani American woman Asia Siddiqui charged in New York with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction. April 2, 2015 . June 19, 2015.
  77. News: Two Women in Queens Are Charged With a Bomb Plot. The New York Times . April 2, 2015 . June 19, 2015. Clifford . Stephanie .
  78. Web site: How Noelle Velentzas, Asia Siddiqui Were Arrested For Allegedly Conspiring In Terror Attack: New York Women Foiled By Undercover Agent. . April 2, 2015 . June 19, 2015.
  79. News: New York women inspired by IS plotted bombing, FBI says. BBC News . April 2, 2015 . June 19, 2015.
  80. Web site: Queens Woman Is Sentenced to 15 Years in Bomb Plot. .
  81. Web site: Queens Woman Sentenced to 16 ½ Years for Role in Planning Terrorist Attack on US Soil.
  82. Web site: Third Man Arrested In New York Pressure Cooker Bomb Plot . . June 18, 2015.
  83. Web site: Second American arrested in ISIS-linked NYC bomb plot . June 18, 2015 . June 19, 2015.
  84. News: 'Aussie jihadi' behind 9/11 memorial threat is actually a Jewish-American internet troll. Fox News.
  85. News: Australian Online ISIS Jihadist Turns Out to Be Florida Jew. Haaretz.
  86. News: Florida Jew arrested for posing as online jihadist, encouraging terrorism. Times of Israel.
  87. Web site: United States v. JOSHUA RYNE GOLDBERG Criminal Complaint case 3:15-mj-1170-J-JRK. United States Department of Justice. 10 September 2015.
  88. News: Carroll man averts domestic terror plot. Knowles. Luke. February 9, 2017. Carroll Daily Times Herald. February 9, 2017. en.
  89. Web site: Man Accused Of Trying To Blow Up Synagogue Faces Judge. CBS Miami. May 2, 2016.
  90. Web site: Psychiatric help, then prison for Jewish center bomb plotter. AP. November 28, 2017.
  91. News: Three Kansas men calling themselves 'Crusaders' charged in terror plot targeting Muslim immigrants. .
  92. Web site: 3 suspects in Kansas anti-Somali plot sought a 'bloodbath'. .
  93. Web site: 3 Men Sentenced in Plot to Bomb Somali Immigrants In Kansas. .
  94. Web site: Militia members sentenced to decades in prison in foiled plot to kill Muslims. .
  95. News: Alleged gunman tells police he wanted to rescue children at D.C. pizza shop after hearing fictional Internet accounts. .
  96. Web site: Charges filed against suspected "Pizzagate" gunman. .
  97. Web site: Gunman in 'Pizzagate' Shooting Is Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison. .
  98. Web site: Man, 23, Charged in Oklahoma City Bomb Plot After Domestic Terrorism Investigation. NBC News. August 15, 2017.
  99. News: Man Convicted of Trying to Blow Up Oklahoma City Bank Gets 25 Years in Prison. The New York Times. March 23, 2020.
  100. Web site: Man With ‘Interest in Killing Black People’ Charged With Terrorism After Attempted Train Attack. Time Magazine. January 5, 2018.
  101. Web site: Man accused of stopping train in Nebraska sentenced. AP. October 5, 2018.
  102. Web site: Florida sheriff: Man planned mass shooting at Islamic center. CBS News. December 4, 2017.
  103. Web site: Man who planned to shoot up mosque sentenced to 5 years. The Florida-Times Union. September 18, 2018.
  104. News: Terror plot on SF's Pier 39 lands Modesto man 15 years in prison. San Francisco Chronicle. Evan. Sernoffsky. August 6, 2018.
  105. Web site: FBI: Man who planned attack on Cleveland wanted to give explosive-filled cars to military children. USA Today. July 2, 2018.
  106. Web site: Cleveland Fourth of July terrorism suspect sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Cleveland.com. February 11, 2020.
  107. News: FBI: Ohio terror suspect was inspired by Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Korte. Gregory. USA Today. February 21, 2019. December 10, 2018.
  108. Web site: September 14, 2021 . Ohio ISIS supporter who plotted synagogue attack sentenced to 20 years. .
  109. News: Toledo couple indicted for conspiracy to use explosives and firearms to kill and injure others. United States Department of Justice. February 21, 2019. January 3, 2019.
  110. Web site: Elizabeth Lecron Complaint. DocumentCloud. February 21, 2019. December 10, 2018.
  111. News: Neighbors describe FBI arrest of Elizabeth Lecron. Arbino. Chris. WMNO NBC 24. February 21, 2019. December 10, 2018.
  112. Web site: A woman who wrote letters to Dylann Roof is going to prison for plotting 2 terrorist attacks. .
  113. Web site: Man sentenced to 6 years for plotting foiled terror attack. .
  114. News: Coast Guard lieutenant, dubbed 'domestic terrorist', had hit list of media bigs and Dem lawmakers: Prosecutors. foxnews.com . February 20, 2019 . February 20, 2019.
  115. News: Suspect in Nazi bomb plot kicked out of Army. apnews.com . May 3, 2019 . April 29, 2019.
  116. Web site: Army veteran sentenced to 25 years in prison for Long Beach terrorist bombing plot. .
  117. News: Times Square Terror Plot: Inspired by Bin Laden, Man Planned Bombing, Officials Say. . June 7, 2019 . June 7, 2019.
  118. Web site: Syrian refugee charged with plotting to bomb Pennsylvania church. .
  119. Web site: Syrian man planned Pittsburgh church bombing to inspire ISIS followers, arrested. .
  120. Web site: Mustafa Alowemer sentenced after pleading guilty to plotting to bomb North Side church. .
  121. Web site: Las Vegas Man Planned Attack of Synagogue, Officials Say. .
  122. Web site: FBI arrests Las Vegas man who allegedly wanted to shoot Jews, LGBTQ bar patrons. .
  123. Web site: Man sentenced for plotting attack on Las Vegas synagogue.
  124. Web site: FBI arrests white supremacist allegedly plotting to bomb Colorado synagogue. .
  125. News: FBI arrests self-proclaimed white supremacist in alleged plot to blow up historic synagogue. .
  126. Web site: White Supremacist Pleads Guilty to Plotting to Bomb Colorado Synagogue. .
  127. Web site: A Colorado man who expressed 'hatred' of Jewish people and planned to blow up a synagogue pleads guilty to federal hate crime. .
  128. Web site: Neo-Nazi who planned to blow up synagogue sentenced to 19 years . . 27 February 2021 .
  129. Web site: Three with ties to 'boogaloo' movement arrested on terrorism charges in Las Vegas.
  130. Web site: Three men connected to 'boogaloo' movement tried to provoke violence at protests, feds say. .
  131. Web site: Men tied to 'boogaloo' movement conspired to spark protest violence in Las Vegas, feds say. .
  132. News: Federal authorities file charges against 3 alleged Boogaloo followers in Nevada. .
  133. Web site: Alleged 'boogaloo' member accused in riot plot charged with sexual exploitation of children. .
  134. Web site: Vegas terrorism suspect sentenced for sexually abusing girl. .
  135. Web site: Boogaloo member Stephen Parshall sentenced for plot to blow up substation near BLM protest. .
  136. News: Andrew . Jeong . February 25, 2022 . Three plead guilty to terrorism charges in plot to attack U.S. power grid, start race war. .
  137. Web site: 3 Men Plead Guilty in Plot to Attack U.S. Power Grid. .
  138. Web site: 3 men plead guilty in white supremacist terror plot to disrupt power grid, trigger race war. .
  139. News: Egan . Paul . Baldas . Tresa . 'Deeply disturbing': Feds charge six militia members in domestic terror plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer . 8 October 2020 . . 8 October 2020 .
  140. Web site: Texas man charged with planning to blow up Amazon data center in Virginia. NBC News. April 9, 2021.
  141. Web site: Texas man sentenced to 10 years for threatening to blow up Amazon center. The Hill. October 2, 2021.
  142. News: Texas man who planned 'mass casualty event' at Walmart had assault weapons, racist symbols, police said. .
  143. Web site: Man accused of plotting a mass shooting at Walmart arrested in Texas. .
  144. News: Self-proclaimed 'incel' planned to kill sorority girls at an Ohio university, feds say. .
  145. Web site: 'Incel' Is Charged With Plotting to Shoot Women, U.S. Says. .
  146. Web site: Ohio 'incel' who plotted to kill women at college is sentenced to 6 years in prison. .
  147. Web site: Police: Armed man wearing clown wig said he wanted to 'kill all Democrats'. .
  148. Web site: Police Detained a Trump Fan Who Stormed Into a Dairy Queen and vowing to 'kill Democrats'. .
  149. Web site: What we know about the former GOP candidate arrested for shootings at N.M. Democrats' homes.
  150. Web site: Court papers reveal details on former Republican candidate linked to shootings at New Mexico lawmakers' homes. .
  151. Web site: Michigan man charged with threatening synagogue massacre. .
  152. Web site: Chilling online messages of 'neo-Nazi' plotting to attack Michigan synagogue. .
  153. Web site: Judge orders prison for Michigan man who made threats against Jewish people, synagogue. .
  154. News: Man with a gun demands to see Wisconsin governor, is arrested, and returns with rifle. .
  155. Web site: Man with handgun seeking Gov. Tony Evers is arrested at Wisconsin Capitol, returns later with assault rifle. .
  156. News: Gunman broke into Colo. Supreme Court building, fired shots, police say. .
  157. Web site: Suspect Brandon Olsen appears in court after break-in at Colorado Supreme Court building. .