Nazam Hussain was one of nine men arrested in England on December 20, 2010, in connection with an al-Qaeda-inspired plot to blow up the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on Christmas Eve. The group sought to launch a coordinated bomb-and-gun attack in the style of the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422. Hussain pleaded guilty but was released early from his 16-year sentence in 2018. Police returned Hussain to prison in November 2019 after his LSE co-conspirator Usman Khan killed two in an attack near the London Bridge.David Mercer and Alix Culbertson, “Five minutes of terror: How the London Bridge attack unfolded,” Sky News, December 2, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/how-the-london-bridge-terror-attack-unfolded-11874155.

Others involved in the LSE plot included Khan, Shah Rahman, Gurukanth Desai, Abdul Malik Miah, Mohammed Shahjahan, Mohibur Rahman, Omar Sharif Latif, and Mohammed Chowdhury.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html. Hussain and some of the others involved met through Islam4UK, an Islamist offshoot of the banned British Islamist network al-Muhajiroun led by Anjem Choudary and Omar Bakri Mohammed. Others met while preaching in London street stalls about radical Islam.Dominic Casciani, “Stock Exchange plotters: Fantasists or a threat?,” BBC News, February 9, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16953938.

Hussain and other LSE plotters had Choudary’s phone number stored in their phones at the time of their arrests.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html. Choudary admitted that several of the plotters were his students but told British media that police had taken their conversations “out of context.”Dominik Lemanski, “Bomb plotters are my students, admits Choudary,” Daily Star (London), February 5, 2012, https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/bomb-plotters-students-admits-choudary-18512705.

Hussain and other members also drew inspiration from deceased al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki and looked to AQAP’s Inspire magazine for instructions on building pipe bombs.“London Stock Exchange terror bomb plot was ‘amateurish,’” BBC News, February 8, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16951623. The plotters were reportedly concerned about whether Islam allowed for the use of violence. Ultimately, Awlaki’s lectures provided them with the justification they sought.Dominic Casciani, “Stock Exchange plotters: Fantasists or a threat?,” BBC News, February 9, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16953938.

While planning the LSE attack, Hussain sought to raise money with co-conspirators Shahjahan and Khan to set up a terror-training camp for British Muslims on land owned by Khan’s family in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. All three lived in the English city of Stoke-on-Trent and formed their own cohort within the larger group. According to the judge at their trial, the three from Stoke considered themselves to be more serious jihadists than the others in the group.Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, “RPT-The al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old militant who launched London Bridge attack,” Reuters, December 2, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-attacker/rpt-the-al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-militant-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-idUSL8N28C0OF.

The group considered targeting Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html; Randeep Ramesh and Peter Walker, “Gunmen run amok in Mumbai terror attack killing and injuring hundreds,” Guardian (London), November 27, 2008, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/27/india-terrorist-attacks-mumbai. They began planning the attack in November 2010 and intended to target the LSE on Christmas Eve, even though the stock exchange would be closed.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422. Witnesses during the trial called the plot amateurish and unlikely to succeed.“London Stock Exchange terror bomb plot was ‘amateurish,’” BBC News, February 8, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16951623.

Hussain and his co-conspirators pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism on January 31, 2012. On February 7, Hussain received an Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence with a minimum of eight years. The open sentence gave the parole board authority to determine the length of Hussain’s imprisonment based on whether he still presented a threat.“Usman Khan and others -v- R,” Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, April 16, 2013, https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/usman-khan-others-v-r-judgment/. The United Kingdom abolished IPP sentences later in 2012 and Hussain appealed his sentence.Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, “RPT-The al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old militant who launched London Bridge attack,” Reuters, December 2, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-attacker/rpt-the-al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-militant-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-idUSL8N28C0OF. The U.K. Court of Appeal overturned the sentence in April 2013 and ordered Hussain to serve a fixed-term sentence of a minimum of 16 years, of which he would have to serve at least eight. Khan and Shahjahan also received revised sentences.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422.

Like Khan, Hussain had been released early in 2018.David Mercer and Alix Culbertson, “Five minutes of terror: How the London Bridge attack unfolded,” Sky News, December 2, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/how-the-london-bridge-terror-attack-unfolded-11874155. Shahjahan also received an early release. The three reportedly lived less than 20 miles from each other in Staffordshire, England, under police-imposed restrictions.Neil Johnston, Fariha Karim, and Francis Elliott, “London Bridge attacker Usman Khan was allowed to live near plotters,” The Times (London), December 7, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/london-bridge-attacker-usman-khan-was-allowed-to-live-near-plotters-nc6s09kpq. On November 29, 2019, Khan killed two and wounded three in an attack on Fishmongers’ Hall near the London Bridge.David Mercer and Alix Culbertson, “Five minutes of terror: How the London Bridge attack unfolded,” Sky News, December 2, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/how-the-london-bridge-terror-attack-unfolded-11874155. The following day police arrested Hussain and returned him to prison for a suspected breach of his parole conditions under suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.David Mercer and Alix Culbertson, “Five minutes of terror: How the London Bridge attack unfolded,” Sky News, December 2, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/how-the-london-bridge-terror-attack-unfolded-11874155.

Currently, British law allows for convicts serving fixed-term sentences to be released halfway through the term and complete the remainder of the sentence on home arrest under specific conditions.“Leaving Prison,” Gov.UK, accessed December 5, 2019, https://www.gov.uk/leaving-prison. British leaders questioned Khan’s early release and sought a review of 74 convicts who received early conditional releases.“Boris Johnson says 74 terror prisoners released early,” BBC News, December 1, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50618744. Choudary was also released early in October 2018 with communications and travel restrictions. Officials called for an “urgent” review of Choudary’s conditions following the London Bridge attack.Robert Mendick, Martin Evans, and Charles Hymas, “Anjem Choudary’s licence under ‘urgent’ review in wake of London Bridge attack,” Telegraph (London), December 2, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/02/anjem-choudary-have-licence-conditions-reviewed-emerges-met/.

Mohammed Shahjahan was the leader of a group of nine men arrested in England on December 20, 2010, in connection with an al-Qaeda-inspired plot to blow up the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on Christmas Eve. The group sought to launch a coordinated bomb-and-gun attack on the LSE and other targets in England in the style of the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India. Shahjahan and coconspirators Nazam Hussain and Usman Khan had also planned to set up a training camp in Pakistan for British militants.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422. Shahjahan pleaded guilty in 2012 to preparing an act of terrorism and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422. He has since been released early after serving only half his sentence.Neil Johnston, Fariha Karim, and Francis Elliott, “London Bridge attacker Usman Khan was allowed to live near plotters,” The Times (London), December 7, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/london-bridge-attacker-usman-khan-was-allowed-to-live-near-plotters-nc6s09kpq.

Others involved in the LSE plot included Khan, Hussain, Shah Rahman, Gurukanth Desai, Abdul Malik Miah, Mohibur Rahman, Omar Sharif Latif, and Mohammed Chowdhury.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html. Shahjahan and some of the others involved met through Islam4UK, an Islamist offshoot of the banned British Islamist network al-Muhajiroun led by Anjem Choudary and Omar Bakri Mohammed. Others met while preaching in London street stalls about radical Islam.Dominic Casciani, “Stock Exchange plotters: Fantasists or a threat?,” BBC News, February 9, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16953938.

In a 2010 interview with BBC News, Shahjahan said he was happy to be called a terrorist because Islam’s prophet Muhammad was also called a terrorist and a fundamentalist. He described his radicalization process in the interview, saying he was being pulled in different directions about which group to get involved with until he met an individual knowledgeable in Islam who set him on the right path. Shahjahan said he studied at least six months with him about Muhammad’s life. Shahjahan said he learned how Muhammad had been hated and persecuted for his beliefs, which he had never learned from anybody before this individual. Shahjahan also outlined his vision for the United Kingdom to be ruled under sharia (Islamic law). Alcohol and pornography would be banned while adulterers would be stoned and thieves would have their hands cut off, he told the BBC.“Jihadist Mohammed Shahjahan sets out vision for UK,” BBC News, February 9, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-16967202/jihadist-mohammed-shahjahan-sets-out-vision-for-uk.

Shahjahan did not say in the BBC interview who this individual he studied with was, but it seems likely to have been Choudary. Shahjahan and other LSE plotters had Choudary’s phone number stored in their phones at the time of their arrests.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html. Choudary admitted that several of the plotters were his students but told British media that police had taken their conversations “out of context.”Dominik Lemanski, “Bomb plotters are my students, admits Choudary,” Daily Star (London), February 5, 2012, https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/bomb-plotters-students-admits-choudary-18512705.

Shahjahan and other members also drew inspiration from deceased al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki and looked to AQAP’s Inspire magazine for instructions on building pipe bombs.“London Stock Exchange terror bomb plot was ‘amateurish,’” BBC News, February 8, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16951623. The plotters were reportedly concerned about whether Islam allowed for the use of violence. Ultimately, Awlaki’s lectures provided them with the justification they sought.Dominic Casciani, “Stock Exchange plotters: Fantasists or a threat?,” BBC News, February 9, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16953938. Police found copies of Inspire in Shahjahan’s home after his arrest.“Usman Khan and others -v- R,” Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, April 16, 2013, https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/usman-khan-others-v-r-judgment/.

While planning the LSE attack, Shahjahan sought to raise money with co-conspirators Hussain and Khan to set up a terror-training camp for British Muslims on land owned by Khan’s family in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. All three lived in the English city of Stoke-on-Trent and formed their own cohort within the larger group. At one point, Hussain referred to Shahjahan as the ameer, or leader of their group. Police also found a document in Shahjahan’s handwriting at Hussain’s house that outlined individual roles in the group. The document placed Shahjahan at the top of the organizational structure.“Usman Khan and others -v- R,” Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, April 16, 2013, https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/usman-khan-others-v-r-judgment/. According to the judge at their trial, the three from Stoke considered themselves to be more serious jihadists than the others in the group.Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, “RPT-The al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old militant who launched London Bridge attack,” Reuters, December 2, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-attacker/rpt-the-al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-militant-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-idUSL8N28C0OF.

In November 2010, Chowdhury sent a message to Shahjahan, Mohibur Rahman, and Shah Rahman rejecting the “covenant of security,” the concept that jihadists would not target the countries in which Muslims reside.“Usman Khan and others -v- R,” Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, April 16, 2013, https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/usman-khan-others-v-r-judgment/. The group considered targeting Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html; Randeep Ramesh and Peter Walker, “Gunmen run amok in Mumbai terror attack killing and injuring hundreds,” Guardian (London), November 27, 2008, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/27/india-terrorist-attacks-mumbai. They began planning the attack in November 2010 and intended to target the LSE on Christmas Eve, even though the stock exchange would be closed.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422. Witnesses during the trial called the plot amateurish and unlikely to succeed.“London Stock Exchange terror bomb plot was ‘amateurish,’” BBC News, February 8, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16951623.

Shahjahan and his co-conspirators pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism on January 31, 2012. On February 7, Shahjahan received an Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence with a minimum of eight years and 10 months. The open sentence gave the parole board authority to determine the length of Hussain’s imprisonment based on whether he still presented a threat.“Usman Khan and others -v- R,” Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, April 16, 2013, https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/usman-khan-others-v-r-judgment/. The United Kingdom abolished IPP sentences later in 2012 and Shahjahan appealed his sentence.Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, “RPT-The al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old militant who launched London Bridge attack,” Reuters, December 2, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-attacker/rpt-the-al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-militant-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-idUSL8N28C0OF. The U.K. Court of Appeal overturned the sentence in April 2013 and ordered Shahjahan to serve a fixed-term sentence of a minimum of 16 years, of which he would have to serve at least eight. Khan and Hussain also received revised sentences.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422.

Khan and Hussain were both released early in 2018. Shahjahan was also released early, though it is unclear exactly when. As of December 2019, Shahjahan was living in a bail hostel in Staffordshire, England. Authorities had given him a curfew and ordered him to wear an electronic GPS tracker. Shahjahan, Khan, and Hussain reportedly lived less than 20 miles from each other.Neil Johnston, Fariha Karim, and Francis Elliott, “London Bridge attacker Usman Khan was allowed to live near plotters,” The Times (London), December 7, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/london-bridge-attacker-usman-khan-was-allowed-to-live-near-plotters-nc6s09kpq.

Currently, British law allows for convicts serving fixed-term sentences to be released halfway through the term and complete the remainder of the sentence on home arrest under specific conditions.“Leaving Prison,” Gov.UK, accessed December 5, 2019, https://www.gov.uk/leaving-prison. British leaders questioned Khan’s early release and sought a review of 74 convicts who received early conditional releases.“Boris Johnson says 74 terror prisoners released early,” BBC News, December 1, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50618744. Choudary was also released early in October 2018 with communications and travel restrictions. Officials called for an “urgent” review of Choudary’s conditions following the London Bridge attack.Robert Mendick, Martin Evans, and Charles Hymas, “Anjem Choudary’s licence under ‘urgent’ review in wake of London Bridge attack,” Telegraph (London), December 2, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/02/anjem-choudary-have-licence-conditions-reviewed-emerges-met/.

Usman Khan was the British domestic terrorist who carried out the November 29, 2019, stabbing attack near the London Bridge that killed two and wounded three.David Mercer and Alix Culbertson, “Five minutes of terror: How the London Bridge attack unfolded,” Sky News, December 2, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/how-the-london-bridge-terror-attack-unfolded-11874155. ISIS later claimed responsibility for the London Bridge attack and claimed that Khan was one of its soldiers.Thomas Joscelyn, “Analysis: Islamic State claims attack in London by al Qaeda-inspired terrorist,” Long War Journal, December 2, 2019, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2019/12/analysis-islamic-state-claims-attack-in-london-by-al-qaeda-inspired-terrorist.php. Khan had been released early from prison in 2018 after serving only part of a 16-year sentence for involvement in a failed plot targeting the London Stock Exchange (LSE).“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html; “London Bridge terror attack: Everything we know about terrorist Usman Khan,” Sky News, November 30, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/london-bridge-terror-attack-everything-we-know-about-terrorist-usman-khan-11874250. Khan was a close associate of British ISIS propagandist Anjem Choudary, who was also released early from prison in 2018.Felix Allen, “FREE TO ROAM Hate preacher Anjem Choudary who ‘inspired’ London Bridge killer pictured on our streets,” Sun (London), December 3, 2019, https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10467378/anjem-choudary-electronic-tag-london-bridge-terrorist-links/.

Khan was one of nine men arrested in England on December 20, 2010, in connection with a plot to blow up the LSE on Christmas Eve. The group sought to launch a coordinated bomb-and-gun attack in the style of the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India. The group considered targeting Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html; Randeep Ramesh and Peter Walker, “Gunmen run amok in Mumbai terror attack killing and injuring hundreds,” Guardian (London), November 27, 2008, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/27/india-terrorist-attacks-mumbai. hey began planning the attack in November 2010 and intended to target the LSE on Christmas Eve, even though the stock exchange would be closed.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422. Witnesses during the trial called the plot amateurish and unlikely to succeed.“London Stock Exchange terror bomb plot was ‘amateurish,’” BBC News, February 8, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16951623.

Others involved in the plot included Shah Rahman, Gurukanth Desai, Abdul Malik Miah, Mohammed Shahjahan, Mohibur Rahman, Nazam Hussain, Omar Sharif Latif, and Mohammed Chowdhury.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html. Khan and some of the others involved met through Islam4UK, an Islamist offshoot of the banned British Islamist network al-Muhajiroun led by Choudary and Omar Bakri Mohammed. Others met while preaching in London street stalls about radical Islam.Dominic Casciani, “Stock Exchange plotters: Fantasists or a threat?,” BBC News, February 9, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16953938.

Khan was reportedly a “personal friend” of Choudary’s.Felix Allen, “FREE TO ROAM Hate preacher Anjem Choudary who ‘inspired’ London Bridge killer pictured on our streets,” Sun (London), December 3, 2019, https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10467378/anjem-choudary-electronic-tag-london-bridge-terrorist-links/. They had appeared together at a March 2009 conference on sharia (Islamic law) at the Cobridge Community Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England.Chris Kitching, “London Bridge terrorist pictured with Anjem Choudary as killer's poem emerges,” Mirror (London), December 2, 2019, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/london-bridge-terrorist-pictured-anjem-21008719. Khan and other LSE plotters had Choudary’s phone number stored in their phones at the time of their arrests.“Terrorism gang jailed for plotting to blow up London Stock Exchange,” Telegraph (London), February 9, 2012, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9072455/Terrorism-gang-jailed-for-plotting-to-blow-up-London-Stock-Exchange.html. Choudary admitted that several of the plotters were his students but told British media that police had taken their conversations “out of context.”Dominik Lemanski, “Bomb plotters are my students, admits Choudary,” Daily Star (London), February 5, 2012, https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/bomb-plotters-students-admits-choudary-18512705. Following the 2019 London Bridge attack, a photo surfaced in British media of Khan and Choudary from the 2009 conference.Robert Mendick, Martin Evans, and Charles Hymas, “Anjem Choudary’s licence under ‘urgent’ review in wake of London Bridge attack,” Telegraph (London), December 2, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/02/anjem-choudary-have-licence-conditions-reviewed-emerges-met/.

Khan and other members drew inspiration from deceased al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki and looked to AQAP’s Inspire magazine for instructions on building pipe bombs.“London Stock Exchange terror bomb plot was ‘amateurish,’” BBC News, February 8, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16951623. The plotters were reportedly concerned about whether Islam allowed for the use of violence. Ultimately, Awlaki’s lectures provided them with the justification they sought.Dominic Casciani, “Stock Exchange plotters: Fantasists or a threat?,” BBC News, February 9, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-16953938. Khan reportedly radicalized initially by watching online videos of Awlaki’s lectures.Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, “RPT-The al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old militant who launched London Bridge attack,” Reuters, December 2, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-attacker/rpt-the-al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-militant-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-idUSL8N28C0OF.

Khan’s family descended from Pakistan. Khan sought to raise money with co-conspirators Shahjahan and Hussain to set up a terror-training camp for British Muslims on land owned by Khan’s family in Pakistan-controlled-Kashmir. All three lived in the English city of Stoke-on-Trent and formed their own cohort within the larger group. According to the judge at their trial, the three from Stoke considered themselves to be more serious jihadists than the others in the group.Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, “RPT-The al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old militant who launched London Bridge attack,” Reuters, December 2, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-attacker/rpt-the-al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-militant-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-idUSL8N28C0OF. Prosecutors called Khan “central” to that plot.“Usman Khan and others -v- R,” Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, April 16, 2013, https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/usman-khan-others-v-r-judgment/.

Khan and his co-conspirators pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism on January 31, 2012. On February 7, Khan received an Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) indeterminate sentence with a minimum of eight years. The open sentence gave the parole board authority to determine the length of Khan’s imprisonment based on whether he still presented a threat. Khan also received a determinate sentence of 16 years for the Kashmir plan.“Usman Khan and others -v- R,” Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, April 16, 2013, https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/usman-khan-others-v-r-judgment/. The United Kingdom abolished IPP sentences later in 2012 and Khan appealed his sentence.Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden, “RPT-The al Qaeda-inspired 28-year-old militant who launched London Bridge attack,” Reuters, December 2, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-attacker/rpt-the-al-qaeda-inspired-28-year-old-militant-who-launched-london-bridge-attack-idUSL8N28C0OF. The U.K. Court of Appeal overturned the sentence in April 2013 and ordered Khan to serve a fixed-term sentence of a minimum of eight years of his original 16-year minimum sentence. Khan’s coconspirators Shahjahan and Hussain also receive revised sentences.“Stoke terror sentences revised,” BBC News, April 16, 2013, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22168422.

After his sentencing, Khan instructed his lawyer to enroll him in a deradicalization program. Khan repeatedly asked for help in deradicalizing and sent a letter to the U.K. Home Office in October 2012 asking for help, according to his attorney.Dominic Casciani, “London Bridge: Why was the attacker, Usman Khan, out of prison?,” BBC News, December 1, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50618324. Khan allegedly wanted to live “as a good citizen of Britain” and a good Muslim.Danielle Sheridan, Patrick Sawer, Gabriella Swerling, Katie O'Neill, et al, “London Bridge attack: Suspect penned letter seeking ‘deradicalisation’ while in jail,” The Times (London), November 30, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/11/30/london-bridge-terror-attack-victims-stabbed-deaths-terror-suspect/. In prison, Khan participated in the Healthy Identity Intervention Programme, a British program specific to convicted extremists that had not revealed any verified results since its launch in 2010.“London Bridge: Usman Khan completed untested rehabilitation scheme,” BBC News, December 4, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50653191. While in prison Khan also started working with Learning Together, a Cambridge University-affiliated program that seeks to rehabilitate prisoners through education. Learning Together considered Khan one of its success stories. In a thank-you note after his release, Khan praised the program for “helping to provide learning of individual academic subjects” and “bringing people together, through the means of learning.”Jackie Salo, “London Bridge attacker Usman Khan deemed success story of program he targeted,” New York Post, December 2, 2019, https://nypost.com/2019/12/02/london-bridge-attacker-usman-khan-was-deemed-success-story-of-program-he-targeted/. According to Cambridge University, the program highlights a “wealth of untapped academic talent inside the criminal justice system.”“London Bridge attack: What is the Learning Together scheme?,” BBC News, December 1, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50623646.

Authorities released Khan early in December 2018 and allowed him to return home to finish his sentence while wearing a tracker. He was required to participate in the government’s Desistance and Disengagement Programme, which provides psychological counseling for terrorism convicts after leaving prison. After the London Bridge attack, Scotland Yard confirmed that Khan had been complying with all of his post-release restrictions.Dominic Casciani, “London Bridge: Why was the attacker, Usman Khan, out of prison?,” BBC News, December 1, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50618324.

On November 29, 2019, Khan armed himself with two kitchen knives and strapped on a fake suicide-vest. He traveled to London to attend Learning Together’s conference on prisoner rehabilitation at Fishmongers’ Hall near the London Bridge. The conference drew approximately 100 attendees who were marking the organization’s fifth anniversary. Just before 2 p.m., Khan threatened to blow up the building and began attacking attendees with his knives. A Polish chef working at the hall fought off Khan using a narwhal tusk hanging on a nearby wall. Khan then fought his way through the crowds outside where passersby and an off-duty police officer tried to tackle him. Police arrived on the scene and pulled the civilians away from Khan, but shot and killed him after he appeared to be motioning toward his fake explosive vest. Police soon after confirmed that the vest was a hoax and labeled the attack a terrorist incident.David Mercer and Alix Culbertson, “Five minutes of terror: How the London Bridge attack unfolded,” Sky News, December 2, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/how-the-london-bridge-terror-attack-unfolded-11874155.

British leaders questioned Khan’s early release and sought a review of 74 convicts who received early conditional releases.“Boris Johnson says 74 terror prisoners released early,” BBC News, December 1, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50618744. Currently, British law allows for convicts serving fixed-term sentences to be released halfway through the term and complete the remainder of the sentence on home arrest under specific conditions.“Leaving Prison,” Gov.UK, accessed December 5, 2019, https://www.gov.uk/leaving-prison. Like Khan, Hussain had been released early in 2018. The day after the London Bridge attack police arrested Hussain and returned him to prison for a suspected breach of his parole conditions.David Mercer and Alix Culbertson, “Five minutes of terror: How the London Bridge attack unfolded,” Sky News, December 2, 2019, https://news.sky.com/story/how-the-london-bridge-terror-attack-unfolded-11874155. Choudary was released in October 2018 with communications and travel restrictions. Officials called for an “urgent” review of Choudary’s conditions following the London Bridge attack.Robert Mendick, Martin Evans, and Charles Hymas, “Anjem Choudary’s licence under ‘urgent’ review in wake of London Bridge attack,” Telegraph (London), December 2, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/02/anjem-choudary-have-licence-conditions-reviewed-emerges-met/.

Zarein Ahmedzay is a convicted Islamist extremist, foreign fighter, and attempted domestic terrorist. Between 2008 and 2009, he and two friends—Najibullah Zazi and Adis Medunjanin—traveled to Pakistan and received weapons training at an al-Qaeda terrorist camp there. The three men then returned to the United States and plotted to carry out a coordinated suicide bomb attack on the New York City subway system.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Ahmedzay was arrested in January 2010 and charged with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to al-Qaeda. He was sentenced on December 14, 2018 to 10 years in prison.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html; “Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot; William K. Rashbaum, “After Months of Scrutiny in Zazi Terrorism Case, Two Arrests Came as a Surprise,” New York Times, January 8, 2010, https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/nyregion/09zazi.html.

Ahmedzay, Zazi, and Medunjanin were friends and former high school classmates. They reportedly frequented the same mosque in Queens and shared an iPod to listen to radical lectures.Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/; Mosi Secret, “In Terrorists’ Testimony, a Rare, Intimate Look Into a Secretive World,” New York Times, April 29, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/nyregion/testimony-of-4-admitted-terrorists-gives-a-rare-view-of-al-qaeda.html. After dropping out from Queens College in New York City, Ahmedzay worked as a cab driver in and took the civil service test in 2007 to become a New York City firefighter. He passed the exam, but was listed far down on the waiting list.William K. Rashbaum and David Johnston, “Officials Focus on New Suspects in Terror Case,” New York Times, October 9, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/nyregion/10terror.html; Janon Fisher, “Qaeda rant of bomb zombie,” New York Post, April 24, 2010, https://nypost.com/2010/04/24/qaeda-rant-of-bomb-zombie/.

On August 28, 2008, Ahmedzay, Zazi, and Medunjanin traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Peshawar, Pakistan. They initially intended to fight against the U.S. military alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, but Ahmedzay and Medunjanin were turned away at the Afghan border. Instead, al-Qaeda recruited the three men who then traveled to the Waziristan region of Pakistan to receive military-style weapons. Ahmedzay and Zazi had planned to receive additional explosives training a month later, but Ahmedzay decided against the opportunity and Zazi attended training alone. In Waziristan, they met with al-Qaeda leaders Saleh al-Somali, then-head of al-Qaeda external operations, and Rashid Rauf, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative, who suggested that the three return to New York and carry out suicide bomb attacks in the United States. They also discussed potential target locations, such as the New York City subway system, Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, the New York Stock Exchange, Times Square, and movie theaters.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911; “The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot.

After agreeing to carry out the suicide bombing operations, Ahmedzay traveled back to Newark, New Jersey, on January 22, 2009.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. According to Ahmedzay’s testimony in court, his role in the plot was to provide details on possible target locations in New York City, given his knowledge of the city as a cab driver.Janon Fisher, “Qaeda rant of bomb zombie,” New York Post, April 24, 2010, https://nypost.com/2010/04/24/qaeda-rant-of-bomb-zombie/. Zazi was responsible for assembling the bombs due to his additional explosives training in Pakistan, while Medunjanin’s radical Islamist beliefs helped to inspire the group to participate in jihad.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Between June and September 2009, co-conspirator Zazi—then living in Denver, Colorado—conducted extensive research, purchased items needed to manufacture triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and constructed the explosives for the detonator components of the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409. According to court documents, Ahmedzay had initial reservations about the suicide bombing, but proceeded with the plan nonetheless.“Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot.

On September 8, Zazi rented a car and drove from Denver to New York City, bringing the bomb-making materials with him. Zazi connected with Ahmedzay and Medunjanin there, where they planned to assemble the remaining components of the bombs and carry out an attack on the Manhattan subway lines a few days later. However, the three men aborted their plan and discarded their explosives after realizing that U.S. law enforcement was investigating their activities.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Zazi flew back to Colorado and was arrested on September 19.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf.

Ahmedzay pled guilty to several terrorism charges in April 2010, and was sentenced in December 2018 to 10 years in prison. He is reportedly working as a cooperating witness for the U.S. government.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html; “Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot.

Co-conspirators Zazi and Medunjanin were also apprehended. In February 2010, Zazi pled guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization. On May 2, 2019, Zazi was sentenced to 10 years in prison.Jonathan Dienst, “Man who plotted to blow up NYC subway may soon walk free,” NBC News, May 2, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/man-who-plotted-blow-nyc-subway-may-soon-walk-free-n1001101. However, like Ahmedzay, was reportedly working for the U.S. government as a cooperating witness.Trevor Aaronson, “The Cooperators: Terrorism Defendants With Concrete Ties to Violent Extremists Leverage Their Connections to Avoid Prison,” The Intercept, April 20, 2017, https://theintercept.com/2017/04/20/terrorism-defendants-with-concrete-ties-to-violent-extremists-leverage-their-connections-to-avoid-prison/; “United States v. Zazi (1:09-cr-00663),” Court Listener, accessed April 17, 2019, https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4320003/parties/united-states-v-zazi/. As a result, in September 2019, due to Zazi’s cooperation with U.S. investigators, a federal judge said he would not serve any additional prison time and he was soon released.Erica Orden, “Najibullah Zazi, who plotted to bomb the new York Subway, gets a second chance,” CNN, September 28, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/01/us/najibullah-zazi-new-york-subway-bomb-plot-sentencing/index.html. In November 2012, Medunjanin, was sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses, including his role in plotting to carry out a coordinated suicide bombing attack on the New York City subway system. He pled not guilty and denied any involvement throughout his trial.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Najibullah Zazi is a convicted Islamist extremist, foreign terrorist fighter, and attempted domestic terrorist. Between 2008 and 2009, he and two friends—Adis Medunjanin and Zarein Ahmedzay—traveled to Pakistan and received weapons training in an al-Qaeda training camp there. The three men then returned to the United States and plotted to carry out a coordinated suicide attack on the New York City subway system. Zazi was responsible for gathering bomb-making materials and assembling the explosives.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. On February 22, 2010, he pled guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us.

Zazi was born in Afghanistan and moved to Pakistan with his family at the age of 7. In 1999, he and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Flushing, a neighborhood in New York City, where he attended high school but did not graduate.“The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf; “United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Transcript of Criminal Cause for Pleading,” United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, February 22, 2010, https://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/USvZazi.pdf; Al Baker, “Reasons Unclear for Terrorist Fears,” New York Times, September 17, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/nyregion/18terror.html?pagewanted=all. In 2006, Zazi returned to Pakistan and married a woman from Peshawar. He traveled between the United States and Pakistan, where he would visit his wife and children for several weeks each year up until his arrest in 2009.“The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf; David Johnston and Al Baker, “Denver Man Admits to a Possible Al Qaeda Connection, Officials Say,” New York Times, September 18, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/nyregion/19terror.html; Al Baker, “Reasons Unclear for Terrorist Fears,” New York Times, September 17, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/nyregion/18terror.html?pagewanted=all.

On August 28, 2008, Zazi, Medunjanin, and Ahmedzay traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Peshawar, Pakistan. Although they initially intended to fight against the U.S. military alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, the three men were recruited by al-Qaeda shortly after arriving in Peshawar.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf; Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html. They met with al-Qaeda leaders Saleh al-Somali, then-head of al-Qaeda external operations, and Rashid Rauf, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative, who suggested they return to New York and carry out suicide attacks in the United States.“Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. According to Zazi’s testimony, the three agreed to do so and subsequently received weapons training in the Waziristan region of Pakistan. Zazi received additional explosives training and took detailed notes for his planned suicide bombing mission. He also discussed potential target locations with al-Qaeda leaders, including the New York City subway system, and provided them with money and computers before he left Pakistan.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us.

On January 15, 2009, Zazi returned to the United States and moved to Aurora, Colorado, where he stayed with family members.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf. In June, he started to review his bomb-making notes and conducted more research on where to procure the necessary components.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409. Zazi reportedly communicated with al-Qaeda leaders—including Adnan El-Shukrijumah and Saleh al-Somali—about the plot through a Pakistani-based facilitator identified only as “Ahmad,” with whom Zazi exchanged emails.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted. Zazi purchased the items needed to manufacture triacetone triperoxide (TATP) that summer, and constructed the explosives for the detonator components of the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409.

On September 8, Zazi rented a car and drove from Denver to New York City, bringing the bomb-making materials with him. Zazi connected with Medunjanin and Ahmedzay there, where they planned to assemble the remaining components of the bombs and carry out an attack on the Manhattan subway lines a few days later. However, the three men aborted their plan and discarded their explosives after realizing that U.S. law enforcement was investigating Zazi’s activities.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Zazi flew back to Denver a few days later and was arrested on September 19.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf. When law enforcement searched his computer, they found bomb-making instructions and Internet searches for hydrochloric acid—an ingredient for TATP. Previously, the FBI intercepted e-mail and cell phone messages where Zazi had asked for information about bomb-making ingredients.“New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409.

Zazi pled guilty in February 2010 to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization. He faced a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison for the first two counts of the superseding information and an additional 15 years in prison for the third count.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. On May 2, 2019, Zazi was sentenced to 10 years in prison.Jonathan Dienst, “Man who plotted to blow up NYC subway may soon walk free,” NBC News, May 2, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/man-who-plotted-blow-nyc-subway-may-soon-walk-free-n1001101. However, he was reportedly working for the U.S. government as a cooperating witness for the last 10 years.Trevor Aaronson, “The Cooperators: Terrorism Defendants With Concrete Ties to Violent Extremists Leverage Their Connections to Avoid Prison,” The Intercept, April 20, 2017, https://theintercept.com/2017/04/20/terrorism-defendants-with-concrete-ties-to-violent-extremists-leverage-their-connections-to-avoid-prison/; “United States v. Zazi (1:09-cr-00663),” Court Listener, accessed April 17, 2019, https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4320003/parties/united-states-v-zazi/. As a result, in September 2019, due to Zazi’s cooperation with U.S. investigators, a federal judge said he would not serve any additional prison time and he was soon released.Erica Orden, “Najibullah Zazi, who plotted to bomb the new York Subway, gets a second chance,” CNN, September 28, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/01/us/najibullah-zazi-new-york-subway-bomb-plot-sentencing/index.html.

Co-conspirators Ahmedzay and Medunjanin were also apprehended. Ahmedzay pled guilty in April 2010, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in December 2018. Like Zazi, he is also working as a cooperating witness for the U.S. government.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html. In November 2012, Medunjanin was sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses, including his role in plotting to carry out a coordinated suicide attack on the New York City subways. He pled not guilty and denied any involvement throughout his trial.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Zazi’s cousin, Amanullah Zazi, also pled guilty in 2010 to facilitating Zazi, Medunjanin, and Ahmedzay’s participation in an al-Qaeda training camp in Pakistan. He also admitted that he had later helped to destroy evidence of Zazi’s bomb-making activities in Denver.“Filed under seal: United States vs. John Doe,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 7, 2010, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/2085.pdf; “Father of Would-Be Suicide Bomber Convicted of Obstructing Terrorism Investigation,” U.S. Department of Justice, July 22, 2011, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/newyork/press-releases/2011/father-of-would-be-suicide-bomber-convicted-of-obstructing-terrorism-investigation. In February 2012, Zazi’s father, Mohammed Wali Zazi, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for impeding an investigation and obstructing justice.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Father of Would-Be Suicide Bomber Convicted of Obstructing Terrorism Investigation,” U.S. Department of Justice, July 22, 2011, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/newyork/press-releases/2011/father-of-would-be-suicide-bomber-convicted-of-obstructing-terrorism-investigation.

Adis Medunjanin is a convicted Islamist extremist, foreign terrorist fighter, and attempted domestic terrorist. Between 2008 and 2009, he and two friends—Najibullah Zazi and Zarein Ahmedzay—traveled to Pakistan and received weapons training in an al-Qaeda training camp there. The three men returned to the United States and plotted to carry out a coordinated suicide bomb attack on the New York City subway system.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. According to a report in the New York Times, Medunjanin was considered the “heart and soul” of the plot, as his radical Islamist beliefs helped to inspire the group to participate in jihad.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html. Although he denied any involvement in the plot, on November 16, 2012, Medunjanin was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Medunjanin was born in Bosnia and moved with his family to the United States in 1994. He lived in Queens, New York, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002.Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/. Medunjanin graduated from Queens College in June 2009 with a degree in economics. According to two students from the Queens College Muslim Student Association, Medunjanin was a quiet, humble, and respected student. He was very religious and highly regarded for his knowledge of Islam. Medunjanin used the association’s group prayer room approximately two or three times per week.William K. Rashbaum and David Johnston, “Officials Focus on New Suspects in Terror Case,” New York Times, October 9, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/nyregion/10terror.html. He later worked as a part-time building superintendent in Queens.Samantha Stainburn, “Adis Medunjanin, Bosnian immigrant, gets life in prison for subway bomb plot,” Public Radio International, November 16, 2012, https://www.pri.org/stories/2012-11-16/adis-medunjanin-bosnian-immigrant-gets-life-prison-subway-bomb-plot; Chad Bray, “U.S. Links Failed Subway Bombing to Similar Plot in U.K.,” Wall Street Journal, July 7, 2010, https://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2010/07/07/charges-coming-against-al-quaeda-leader-in-subway-bomb-plot/. The three conspirators—Medunjanin, Zazi, and Ahmedzay—were friends and former high school classmates and reportedly frequented the same mosque in Queens.Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/.

On August 28, 2008, Medunjanin, Zazi, and Ahmedzay traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Peshawar, Pakistan. They initially intended to fight against the U.S. military alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, but Medunjanin and Ahmedzay were turned away at the Afghan border. Instead, al-Qaeda recruited the three men who then traveled to the Waziristan region of Pakistan to receive military-style weapons training. There, they met with al-Qaeda leaders Saleh al-Somali, then-head of al-Qaeda external operations, and Rashid Rauf, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative, who suggested that the three return to New York and conduct suicide bomb attacks in the United States. They also discussed potential target locations, such as the New York City subway system, Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, the New York Stock Exchange, Times Square, and movie theaters.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911; “The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf.

After agreeing to carry out the “martyrdom” operation, Medunjanin traveled back to Newark, New Jersey, on September 25, 2008.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. According to a report in the New York Times, Medunjanin was considered the “heart and soul” of the New York City subway plot, as his radical Islamist beliefs helped to inspire the group to participate in jihad. However, Zazi, who returned to the United States in January 2009 after receiving additional explosives training in Pakistan, took the leading role and was responsible for assembling the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html. Between June and September 2009, co-conspirator Zazi—then living in Denver, Colorado—conducted extensive research, purchased items needed to manufacture triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and constructed the explosives for the detonator components of the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409.

On September 8, Zazi rented a car and drove from Denver to New York City, bringing the bomb-making materials with him. Zazi connected with Medunjanin and Ahmedzay there, where they planned to assemble the remaining components of the bombs and carry out an attack on the Manhattan subway lines a few days later. However, the three men aborted their plan and discarded their explosives after realizing that U.S. law enforcement was investigating Zazi’s activities.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. On September 14, the FBI searched Medunjanin’s apartment in the Whitestone neighborhood of Queens, New York. According to his attorney, he was not the primary target of the investigation at that time and fully cooperated with the authorities.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Affidavit,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 11, 2011, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.127.0.pdf; Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/. Zazi, however, flew back to Colorado and was arrested on September 19.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf.

On January 7, 2010, law enforcement conducted another search on Medunjanin’s apartment. Shortly thereafter, Medunjanin attempted to carry out another suicide terrorist attack by driving his car and crashing it into another vehicle at high speed on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. Moments before the impact, he called emergency services at 9-1-1, identified himself, and shouted “We love death more than you love your life.”“Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. “The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to Life in Prison in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against the United States since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, November 16, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-life-prison-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-united; Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/. However, Medunjanin failed in the attempted suicide vehicular attack and subsequently fled the scene by foot. Later that day, Medunjanin was arrested for leaving the scene of the car accident, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ultimately charged him with more serious crimes.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Affidavit,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 11, 2011, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.127.0.pdf; Michael Daly, “Adis Medunjanin goes from Flushing High School student to suspected terrorist,” Daily News, January 9, 2010, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/adis-medunjanin-flushing-high-school-student-suspected-terrorist-article-1.458403.

On November 16, 2012, Medunjanin was sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses, including his role in plotting to carry out a coordinated suicide bomb attack on the New York City subway system. He pled not guilty and denied any involvement throughout his trial. During his sentencing hearing, Medunjanin spent several minutes singing verses from the Quran. He also recited what he perceived as atrocities of American foreign policies, namely the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, the use of waterboarding, and the killing of innocent civilians during the Iraq War. Reiterating his innocence, he concluded his statement by asking Allah to release him from prison.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Co-conspirators Zazi and Ahmedzay were also apprehended. On February 22, 2010, Zazi pled guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization. He currently awaits his sentencing and reportedly works for the U.S. government as a cooperating witness.Trevor Aaronson, “The Cooperators: Terrorism Defendants With Concrete Ties to Violent Extremists Leverage Their Connections to Avoid Prison,” The Intercept, April 20, 2017, https://theintercept.com/2017/04/20/terrorism-defendants-with-concrete-ties-to-violent-extremists-leverage-their-connections-to-avoid-prison/; “United States v. Zazi (1:09-cr-00663),” Court Listener, accessed April 17, 2019, https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4320003/parties/united-states-v-zazi/; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Ahmedzay pled guilty in April 2010, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in December 2018. Like Zazi, he is also working as a cooperating witness for the U.S. government.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html.

Christopher Paul Hasson, a U.S. Coast Guard officer, is a white supremacist and far-right extremist accused of plotting to assassinate prominent Democratic politicians and journalists in an effort to establish a “white homeland.”Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178. According to official court records, Hasson was inspired by Anders Breivik, a convicted Norwegian far-right domestic terrorist who killed 77 people in 2011.“‘Breivik manifesto’ details chilling attack preparation,” BBC, July 24, 2011, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14267007; Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178. On February 15, 2019, Hasson was arrested in his Maryland home on illegal weapon and drug charges. Law enforcement reportedly seized 15 guns and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as steroids, supplements, opioid pills, and 30 bottles of what appeared to be human growth hormone.Mary Kay Mallonee and Caroline Kelly, “Coast Guard officer accused of wanting to kill Democrats and journalists was inspired by Norwegian mass shooting, feds say,” CNN, February 21, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/20/politics/coast-guard-mass-killing-hit-list/index.html; Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178. In October 2019, Hasson pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of silencers, possession of firearms by a drug addict, and possession of a controlled substance.Christine Hauser, “Coast Guard Officer Called a ‘Domestic Terrorist’ Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges,” New York Times, October 3, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/03/us/christopher-hasson-coast-guard-white-supremacist.html. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison in January 2020.Michael Levenson, “Former Coast Guard Officer Accused of Plotting Terrorism Is Sentenced to 13 Years,” New York Times, January 31, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/us/christopher-hasson-coast-guard-terrorism.html.

Hasson, an active-duty Coast Guard lieutenant and former Marine, was stationed in Washington, D.C., as an acquisitions officer and lived in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is allegedly a self-proclaimed long-term white nationalist and former skinhead. Criminal evidence confirmed that Hasson espoused extremist views for years.Mary Kay Mallonee and Caroline Kelly, “Coast Guard officer accused of wanting to kill Democrats and journalists was inspired by Norwegian mass shooting, feds say,” CNN, February 21, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/20/politics/coast-guard-mass-killing-hit-list/index.html; “United States of America vs. Christopher Paul Hasson – Motion for Detention Pending Trial,” United States District Court, District of Maryland, February 19, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/prosecutors-request-to-detain-christopher-hasson/3667d927-2a54-4131-8c6d-158fcedec287_note.html?questionId=9f4d57c1-cf7c-4287-b3ac-62f1b7697775&utm_term=.a675eeb68ecf. Law enforcement found several draft or deleted emails indicating that Hasson explored the idea of a biological weapon attack, advocated for “focused violence” in order to establish a “white homeland,” and was “dreaming of a way to kill almost every last person on the earth.”“United States of America vs. Christopher Paul Hasson – Motion for Detention Pending Trial,” United States District Court, District of Maryland, February 19, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/prosecutors-request-to-detain-christopher-hasson/3667d927-2a54-4131-8c6d-158fcedec287_note.html?questionId=9f4d57c1-cf7c-4287-b3ac-62f1b7697775&utm_term=.a675eeb68ecf.

On February 15, 2019, Hasson was arrested on illegal weapons and drug charges as a result of an ongoing investigation led by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Justice.Mary Kay Mallonee and Caroline Kelly, “Coast Guard officer accused of wanting to kill Democrats and journalists was inspired by Norwegian mass shooting, feds say,” CNN, February 21, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/20/politics/coast-guard-mass-killing-hit-list/index.html. When law enforcement searched his home, they found 15 guns and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as steroids, supplements, opioid pills, and 30 bottles of what appeared to be human growth hormone.Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178; Mary Kay Mallonee and Caroline Kelly, “Coast Guard officer accused of wanting to kill Democrats and journalists was inspired by Norwegian mass shooting, feds say,” CNN, February 21, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/20/politics/coast-guard-mass-killing-hit-list/index.html.

The U.S. government noted that the illegal possession of weapons and drugs were the “proverbial tip of the iceberg.”Lynh Bui, “‘I am dreaming of a way to kill almost every last person on earth’: A self-proclaimed white nationalist planned a mass terrorist attack, the government says,” Washington Post, February 20, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/self-proclaimed-white-nationalist-planned-mass-terror-attack-government-says-i-am-dreaming-of-a-way-to-kill-almost-every-last-person-on-earth/2019/02/20/61daf6b8-3544-11e9-af5b-b51b7ff322e9_story.html?utm_term=.3b17b7fbf08f. Hasson is suspected of plotting to kill prominent Democratic politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, former Representative Beto O’Rourke of Texas, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Senator Kamala Harris of California, and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Hasson also allegedly sought to assassinate CNN journalists Don Lemon, Chris Cuomo, and Van Jones, as well as MSNBC’s Chris Hayes, Ari Melber, and Joe Scarborough.Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178; Mary Kay Mallonee and Caroline Kelly, “Coast Guard officer accused of wanting to kill Democrats and journalists was inspired by Norwegian mass shooting, feds say,” CNN, February 21, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/20/politics/coast-guard-mass-killing-hit-list/index.html.

According to court documents, Hasson was inspired by Anders Breivik, a convicted Norwegian far-right domestic terrorist who killed 77 people by detonating a car bomb and shooting at young attendees at the Norwegian Workers’ Youth League’s annual summer camp in July 2011. Hours prior to the attacks, Breivik published his 1,500-page manifesto online entitled “2083 – A European Declaration of Independence,” condemning multiculturalism, Islam, “cultural Marxists,” and the Norwegian Labour Party. The manifesto was intended as a how-to manual for like-minded “patriots.”Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178; “’Breivik manifesto' details chilling attack preparation,” BBC, July 24, 2011, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14267007; Siobhán O'Grady, “European court rejects mass murderer Anders Breivik’s claim that isolation in three-room cell is inhumane,” Washington Post, June 21, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/06/21/european-court-rejects-mass-murderer-anders-breiviks-claim-that-isolation-in-three-room-cell-is-inhumane/?utm_term=.c2e42f7b7eb5; Mark Lewis and Sarah Lyall, “Norway Mass Killer Gets the Maximum: 21 Years,” New York Times, August 24, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/world/europe/anders-behring-breivik-murder-trial.html.

From early 2017 up to the date of his arrest, Hasson routinely perused portions of Breivik’s manifesto that instruct a prospective assailant to amass appropriate firearms, food, disguises, and survival supplies.“United States of America vs. Christopher Paul Hasson – Motion for Detention Pending Trial,” United States District Court, District of Maryland, February 19, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/prosecutors-request-to-detain-christopher-hasson/3667d927-2a54-4131-8c6d-158fcedec287_note.html?questionId=9f4d57c1-cf7c-4287-b3ac-62f1b7697775&utm_term=.a675eeb68ecf. Hasson also identified his potential targets based on Breivik’s recommendations, in particular selecting high-profile individuals who are in a known concentrated location and who do not require security details. Hasson reportedly researched online whether U.S. senators receive Secret Service protection and if Supreme Court justices have bodyguards.Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178. Hasson also stockpiled performance-enhancing drugs and opioid pain medication “to increase his ability to conduct attacks,” consistent with the directions in Breivik’s manifesto.Isaac Stanley-Becker, “‘They hate white males’: A Norwegian mass murderer inspired the Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terror, feds say,” Washington Post, February 21, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/02/21/they-hate-white-males-norwegian-mass-murderer-inspired-coast-guard-officer-plotting-terror-feds-say/?utm_term=.b9f82a46b178.

Hasson also researched U.S. military technical manuals on improvised munitions and tactical handbooks, visited thousands of websites selling firearms and tactical equipment, and ultimately acquired firearms, equipment, and ammunition.“United States of America vs. Christopher Paul Hasson – Motion for Detention Pending Trial,” United States District Court, District of Maryland, February 19, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/prosecutors-request-to-detain-christopher-hasson/3667d927-2a54-4131-8c6d-158fcedec287_note.html?questionId=9f4d57c1-cf7c-4287-b3ac-62f1b7697775&utm_term=.a675eeb68ecf. The Coast Guard has stated that Hasson’s alleged plot was flagged by an internal program that detected suspicious activity on his work computer. According to court documents filed in May 2019, Hasson used his Coast Guard computer for hours on a Thursday in February 2018, researching Adolf Hitler, Nazis, and Jewish enclaves in the United States.Lynh Bui, “Prosecutors fight pretrial release of Coast guard officer accused of planning an attack,” Washington Post, May 7, 2019,  https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/prosecutors-fight-pre-trial-release-of-coast-guard-officer-accused-in-terror-plot/2019/05/07/03b3cb3e-6b89-11e9-a66d-a82d3f3d96d5_story.html?utm_term=.95b3f652e570.

Hasson pleaded not guilty at his hearing on March 11, 2019.Michael Kunzelman, “Coast Guard officer accused of making hit list pleads not guilty,” Navy Times, March 11, 2019, https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/03/11/coast-guard-officer-accused-of-making-hit-list-pleads-not-guilty/. On April 25, 2019, a federal magistrate ruled that Hasson was entitled to pretrial release from custody and noted that Hasson had not yet been charged with any terrorism-related offenses.Michael Kunzelman, “Release approved for Coast Guard officer accused of terror,” Washington Post, April 25, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/coast-guard-lieutenant-accused-of-terrorism-denied-release/2019/04/25/67904b52-6790-11e9-a698-2a8f808c9cfb_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e80ab1968d34.

On May 7, 2019, federal prosecutors in Maryland moved to block his release. Prosecutors appealed “on the basis of danger of the community posed by the defendant.”Lynh Bui, “Prosecutors fight pretrial release of Coast guard officer accused of planning an attack,” Washington Post, May 7, 2019,  https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/prosecutors-fight-pre-trial-release-of-coast-guard-officer-accused-in-terror-plot/2019/05/07/03b3cb3e-6b89-11e9-a66d-a82d3f3d96d5_story.html?utm_term=.95b3f652e570. On May 13, U.S. District Court Judge George Hazel ruled in favor of the government’s appeal and overturned the magistrate’s previous pretrial release decision, ordering Hasson to remain in custody pending trial.Michael Kunzelman, “Federal judge blocks release of coast Guard officer from Maryland who has been called a terrorist,” Associated Press, May 13, 2019, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-federal-judge-blocks-release-of-coast-guard-hasson-0514-story.html. During the hearing, federal prosecutors presented weapons that Hasson modified to make an attack easier and stated his arrest prevented a “mass casualty event.” Hazel reportedly believed Hasson posed a potential danger to the community if released.Lynh Bui, “Coast Guard officer accused of plotting terrorist attack to remain jailed, judge says,” Washington Post, May 13, 2019,  https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/coast-guard-officer-accused-of-plotting-terror-attack-to-remain-jailed-judge-says/2019/05/13/d1b48430-741f-11e9-9f06-5fc2ee80027a_story.html?utm_term=.d5f7a2708c9b.

On October 3, 2019, Hasson pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of silencers, possession of firearms by a drug addict, and possession of a controlled substance.Christine Hauser, “Coast Guard Officer Called a ‘Domestic Terrorist’ Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges,” New York Times, October 3, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/03/us/christopher-hasson-coast-guard-white-supremacist.html. On January 31, 2020, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release.Michael Levenson, “Former Coast Guard Officer Accused of Plotting Terrorism Is Sentenced to 13 Years,” New York Times, January 31, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/us/christopher-hasson-coast-guard-terrorism.html.

On March 12, 2021, Hasson filed an appeal with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing the judge in his 2020 conviction improperly applied a “terrorism enhancement” that more than tripled the recommended range of a prison term under federal sentencing guidelines. In a separate case, the appeals court ruled a defendant does not need to be convicted of a federal crime of terrorism for the enhancement to be applied. A three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected Hasson’s argument and upheld his sentence on February 22, 2022. According to the court’s Hasson decision, the terrorism enhancement applies “whenever a defendant’s offense of conviction or relevant conduct was ‘intended to promote’ a federal crime of terrorism.”Michael Kunzelman, “Sentence upheld for Coast Guard officer tied to terror plot,” Associated Press, February 22, 2022, https://apnews.com/article/crime-sentencing-terrorism-060d2ed2d4a737fa0d09bf2ca40c7cf7.

James Harris Jackson is a white supremacist who fatally stabbed a black man multiple times in New York City on March 20, 2017. On January 23, 2019, Jackson pled guilty to first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism, second-degree murder as a hate crime, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon in what became New York state’s first prosecution of a white supremacist on terrorism charges.David K. Li, “White supremacist pleads guilty to race-hate murder of black man in New York,” NBC News, January 23, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/white-supremacist-pleads-guilty-race-hate-murder-black-man-new-n961731. In a videotaped confession, Jackson said that he believed black people were “inferior” and had to be “exterminated.” He was sentenced to life in prison without parole—the maximum penalty under New York state law—in February.Jonathan Dienst, “White Supremacist Who Pleaded Guilty to NYC Sword Slaughter of Random Black Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole: DA,” NBC New York, February 13, 2019, https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/James-Jackson-Sword-Killing-White-Supremacist-Sentencing-505766751.html.

Jackson grew up with two brothers in a liberal middle-class family in Towson, Maryland. He graduated from Friends School of Baltimore, a private school serving students in pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade that embraces the Quaker principles of non-violence and equality. In March 2009, Jackson joined the U.S. Army as a military intelligence analyst. After being stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and then at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Jackson was assigned to Germany in October 2009. In October 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he wrote daily intelligence summaries and helped countering the threat of improvised explosive devices, according to his LinkedIn profile. Jackson left the military in 2012 and enrolled in a bachelor’s program in computer networks and security at the University of Maryland University College in 2013, but he did not complete his coursework.Jean Marbella, “A Baltimore man's inexplicable path from Quaker school to Army to Rikers Island cell,” The Baltimore Sun, April 14, 2017, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-jackson-profile-20170414-story.html; David K. Li, “White supremacist pleads guilty to race-hate murder of black man in New York,” NBC News, January 23, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/white-supremacist-pleads-guilty-race-hate-murder-black-man-new-n961731.

On March 17, 2017, Jackson traveled from Baltimore to New York City with the intention of killing numerous black men.Ellen Moynihan and Stephen Rex Brown, “EXCLUSIVE: White supremacist James Jackson reveals deranged desire to kill black men to save white women in jailhouse interview,” Daily News, March 26, 2017, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/james-jackson-twisted-regrets-killing-timothy-caughman-article-1.3009736; Jan Ransom, “White Supremacist Pleads Guilty to Killing Black Man in New York to Start a ‘Race War’,” New York Times, January 23, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/nyregion/timothy-caughman-white-supremacist-guilty.html. On March 20, he fatally stabbed Timothy Caughman, a 66-year-old black man who was collecting cans and bottles to recycle. Jackson claimed that Caughman’s murder was “practice” and that he initially planned to commit a larger attack against younger black men in Times Square.Jean Marbella, “A Baltimore man's inexplicable path from Quaker school to Army to Rikers Island cell,” The Baltimore Sun, April 14, 2017, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-jackson-profile-20170414-story.html. He spent three days stalking different black men, eventually selecting Caughman as a target “because he was black and alone on a dark street.”David K. Li, “White supremacist pleads guilty to race-hate murder of black man in New York,” NBC News, January 23, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/white-supremacist-pleads-guilty-race-hate-murder-black-man-new-n961731. At about 11:15 p.m., Jackson attacked Caughman from behind and stabbed him with a 26-inch “Roman-style sword.” Caughman died shortly after. Jackson fled the scene, but turned himself in to police several hours later. He told detectives that he was processing, saying, “If I just stab another person what difference does that make? The point’s already been made.”Jean Marbella, “A Baltimore man's inexplicable path from Quaker school to Army to Rikers Island cell,” The Baltimore Sun, April 14, 2017, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-jackson-profile-20170414-story.html; Kimberley Richards, “White supremacist told police he stabbed Timothy Caughman to death as ‘practice’ for larger race terror attack,” Independent, September 21, 2018, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/james-harris-jackson-timothy-caughman-baltimore-stabbing-ny-times-square-racist-attack-a8549011.html.

According to official reports, Jackson sought to commit a “terrorist attack” that would “influence the national conversation.”Kimberley Richards, “White supremacist told police he stabbed Timothy Caughman to death as ‘practice’ for larger race terror attack,” Independent, September 21, 2018, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/james-harris-jackson-timothy-caughman-baltimore-stabbing-ny-times-square-racist-attack-a8549011.html. He wanted to “inspire white men to kill black men, to scare black men and to provoke a race war.” His goal was “a global policy aimed at the complete extermination of the Negro race.”Jan Ransom, “White Supremacist Pleads Guilty to Killing Black Man in New York to Start a ‘Race War’,” New York Times, January 23, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/nyregion/timothy-caughman-white-supremacist-guilty.html. He had been “thinking about it for a long time, for the past couple of years.”Ellen Moynihan and Stephen Rex Brown, “EXCLUSIVE: White supremacist James Jackson reveals deranged desire to kill black men to save white women in jailhouse interview,” Daily News, March 26, 2017, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/james-jackson-twisted-regrets-killing-timothy-caughman-article-1.3009736; Jan Ransom, “White Supremacist Pleads Guilty to Killing Black Man in New York to Start a ‘Race War’,” New York Times, January 23, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/23/nyregion/timothy-caughman-white-supremacist-guilty.html. He was particularly angered by interracial relationships between black men and white women.Daniella Silva, “White Supremacist James Harris Jackson Charged With Terrorism for Killing Black Man in NYC,” NBC News, March 27, 2017, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/terrorism-charges-white-man-accused-hunting-down-black-men-n739146; Ellen Moynihan and Stephen Rex Brown, “EXCLUSIVE: White supremacist James Jackson reveals deranged desire to kill black men to save white women in jailhouse interview,” Daily News, March 26, 2017, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/james-jackson-twisted-regrets-killing-timothy-caughman-article-1.3009736. Jackson had shared his white supremacist and nationalist beliefs with like-minded people online, including on sites like the neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer. On YouTube, he allegedly subscribed to multiple white nationalist channels and liked racist videos, but did not upload original content himself.Jean Marbella, “A Baltimore man's inexplicable path from Quaker school to Army to Rikers Island cell,” The Baltimore Sun, April 14, 2017, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-jackson-profile-20170414-story.html.

On March 27, 2017, Jackson was charged in New York State Supreme Court with first- and second-degree murder as an act of terrorism, second-degree murder as a hate crime as well as three counts of criminal possession of a weapon.Daniella Silva, “White Supremacist James Harris Jackson Charged With Terrorism for Killing Black Man in NYC,” NBC News, March 27, 2017, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/terrorism-charges-white-man-accused-hunting-down-black-men-n739146. He initially pled not guilty. In April 2017, Jackson’s parents decided to no longer pay for their son’s legal defense.Jean Marbella, “A Baltimore man's inexplicable path from Quaker school to Army to Rikers Island cell,” The Baltimore Sun, April 14, 2017, https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-jackson-profile-20170414-story.html. On January 23, 2019, Jackson pled guilty to murder in furtherance of terrorism and criminal possession of a weapon.David K. Li, “White supremacist pleads guilty to race-hate murder of black man in New York,” NBC News, January 23, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/white-supremacist-pleads-guilty-race-hate-murder-black-man-new-n961731. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole—the maximum penalty under New York state law—on February 13, 2019.Jonathan Dienst, “White Supremacist Who Pleaded Guilty to NYC Sword Slaughter of Random Black Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole: DA,” NBC New York, February 13, 2019, https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/James-Jackson-Sword-Killing-White-Supremacist-Sentencing-505766751.html.

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance said of Caughman’s murder, “This was a case of terrorism, just as any Islamic jihadist who has come to New York City and sought to kill New Yorkers in an effort to interrupt and destabilize our way of life.”David K. Li, “White supremacist pleads guilty to race-hate murder of black man in New York,” NBC News, January 23, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/white-supremacist-pleads-guilty-race-hate-murder-black-man-new-n961731.

Munir Abdulkader, a U.S. citizen, is a self-radicalized and convicted supporter of ISIS. He had originally sought to join ISIS abroad in Syria, but ultimately decided to carry out an attack in the United States—plotting to kill a U.S. military employee and to attack a police station in Ohio. Police arrested him in May 2015 before an attack occurred. Abdulkader was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to kill a government employee, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime. In February 2016, he pled guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and lifetime of supervised release later that year in November.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers; USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.

Abdulkader received U.S. citizenship in 2006 and resided in West Chester, Ohio. He studied chemistry and business at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to friends and family, Abdulkader was smart, did well in school, and was popular and well-liked. He appeared to be well-integrated in his community.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.

In 2014, Abdulkader began to post statements and videos on Twitter indicating his support for ISIS. He frequently expressed his desire to join the terrorist organization as a foreign fighter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began monitoring his activities during this time.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Affidavit in Support of Complaint,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, May 22, 2015, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Abdulkader%20Affidavit.pdf.

In March and April 2015, Abdulkader made concrete preparations to travel to Syria. He applied for a U.S. passport, saved money, and researched the logistical details to join ISIS. However, Abdulkader grew concerned as U.S. authorities began arresting attempted pro-ISIS foreign fighters prior to their departure. Abdulkader ultimately canceled his plans to join ISIS abroad.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Affidavit in Support of Complaint,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, May 22, 2015, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Abdulkader%20Affidavit.pdf.

In May 2015, Abdulkader communicated electronically with ISIS members overseas and eventually came into contact with now-deceased ISIS operative Junaid Hussain, who encouraged Abdulkader to pursue an attack within the United States. Specifically, Hussain recommended that Abdulkader target police stations, since attacking a military base would be more difficult.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers; USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.

Following Hussain’s advice, Abdulkader planned to abduct a military employee from his home and behead him.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf. He had planned to film the execution, which was intended to serve as ISIS propaganda.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers. Abdulkader also plotted to attack a police station in Cincinnati, Ohio, using firearms and Molotov cocktails.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf. In preparation for the attack, Abdulkader conducted surveillance of the police station, took lessons at a shooting range, and purchased an AK-47 assault rifle. He was subsequently arrested by law enforcement authorities and charged for conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to kill a government employee, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers.

On February 29, 2016, Abdulkader pled guilty to all charges. His defense attorney emphasized in court that Abdulkader never denied his involvement and noted that Abdulkader regretted his poor decisions. On November 23, 2016, He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and lifetime supervised release.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.

Moroccan-born Italian citizen Youssef Zaghba was one of three men to carry out a terrorist attack in London, England, on June 3, 2017, that killed eight individuals and injured 48 others.“London attack: Who were the attackers?,” BBC News, June 28, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40173157; Tom Cleary, “Youssef Zaghba: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy.com, June 6, 2017, https://heavy.com/news/2017/06/youssef-zaghba-london-bridge-terror-attacks-stabbings-suspect-attacker-killer-name/. In the attack, Zaghba, Rachid Redouane, and suspected ringleader Khuram Butt drove a van into pedestrians on the London Bridge, then continued on foot to the Borough Market area where they stabbed additional bystanders before police arrived and shot dead all three assailants. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack the next day.Tom Cleary, “Youssef Zaghba: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy.com, June 6, 2017, https://heavy.com/news/2017/06/youssef-zaghba-london-bridge-terror-attacks-stabbings-suspect-attacker-killer-name/. All three assailants were reportedly linked to the U.K.-banned jihadist network al-Muhajiroun.Rukmini Callimachi and Katirn Bennhold, “London Attackers Slip By Despite an Avalanche of Warnings,” New York Times, June 6, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/world/europe/london-assailants-terrorism-warning-signs-fbi.html, Mark White, “London Bridge attackers were part of banned jihadi network,” Sky News, June 6, 2017, https://news.sky.com/story/london-bridge-attacker-khuram-butt-was-part-of-banned-jihadi-network-10906091.

Zaghba was a naturalized Italian citizen born in Fez, Morocco, where he lived until his mother returned to her native Italy in 2015.Giulia Paravicini, “Third London attacker told Italian police: ‘I’m going to be a terrorist,’” Politico, June 7, 2017, https://www.politico.eu/article/third-london-attacker-was-known-to-uk-security-services/. Zaghba joined his mother briefly in Italy in early 2016, before moving to London, England, though he continued to visit Italy periodically.Lorenzo Tondo, “Italian officials alerted UK about Youssef Zaghba, says prosecutor,” Guardian (London), June 7, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/07/youssef-zaghba-italian-officials-wrote-to-uk-says-prosecutor.

On March 15, 2016, Zaghba attempted to fly from Bologna, Italy to Istanbul, Turkey, with the intention of continuing on to Syria to join ISIS, but was stopped by Italian authorities in the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport before his departure.Lizzie Dearden, “London attack: third terrorist named as Youssef Zaghba from east London,” Independent (London), June 6, 2017, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-attack-terrorist-named-youssef-zaghba-italy-morocco-bologna-isis-bridge-borough-a7775051.html; “Third London Attacker Identified as Italian Who Once Told Officials, 'I'm Going to be a Terrorist,'” Inside Edition, June 6, 2017, https://www.insideedition.com/headlines/23757-third-london-attacker-identified-as-italian-who-once-told-officials-im-going-to-be-a. During questioning, Zaghba stated, “I am going to be a terrorist.”Giulia Paravicini, “Third London attacker told Italian police: ‘I’m going to be a terrorist,’” Politico, June 7, 2017, https://www.politico.eu/article/third-london-attacker-was-known-to-uk-security-services/. Authorities also found ISIS propaganda videos on Zaghba’s cell phone.Robert Booth, “London Bridge: third attacker named as Youssef Zaghba,” Guardian (London), June 6, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/06/london-bridge-attack-third-attacker-named-in-italy-as-youssef-zaghba. Although authorities confiscated his cell phone and passport, they were unable to arrest him because as Bologna Chief Prosecutor Giuseppe Amato stated, “in Italy…the fact of having common-source images that evoke radicalisation is not a crime.”James Politi, “London Bride terrorist Zaghba ‘constantly monitered’ in Italy,” Financial Times (London), June 7, 2017, https://www.ft.com/content/6b724192-4b8d-11e7-919a-1e14ce4af89b; Eric Sylvers, “Terrorist Youssef Zaghba Was ‘Unyielding in His Views on Islam,’ His Mother Says,” Wall Street Journal, June 15, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/terrorist-youssef-zaghba-was-unyielding-in-his-views-on-islam-his-mother-says-1497519002. Italian authorities launched an investigation into Zaghba, but ended it in April 2016 because they lacked sufficient evidence of terrorist activity.Giulia Paravicini, “Third London attacker told Italian police: ‘I’m going to be a terrorist,’” Politico, June 7, 2017, https://www.politico.eu/article/third-london-attacker-was-known-to-uk-security-services/; Eric Sylvers, “Terrorist Youssef Zaghba Was ‘Unyielding in His Views on Islam,’ His Mother Says,” Wall Street Journal, June 15, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/terrorist-youssef-zaghba-was-unyielding-in-his-views-on-islam-his-mother-says-1497519002. Nonetheless, Italian authorities reportedly notified their British counterparts of the potential terrorist risk posed by Zaghba and added him to a European database of potential extremists. However, British authorities later denied having been warned about him. Lorenzo Tondo, “Italian officials alerted UK about Youssef Zaghba, says prosecutor,” Guardian (London), June 7, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/07/youssef-zaghba-italian-officials-wrote-to-uk-says-prosecutor; Lizzie Dearden, “London attack: British intelligence denies being warned Youssef Zaghba ‘wanted to be a terrorist,’” Independent (London), June 8, 2018, https://www.independent.co.uk/News/uk/home-news/london-attack-youssef-zaghba-terrorist-italy-warning-uk-intelligence-deny-khuram-butt-choudary-a7779891.html.

On June 3, 2017, Zaghba, Rachid Redouane, and suspected ringleader Khuram Butt drove a van into pedestrians on the London Bridge. The three men then exited the vehicle wearing fake suicide belts in an attempt to deter authorities and continued on foot to the Borough Market area, where they stabbed individuals in bars and restaurants using knives.Tom Cleary, “Youssef Zaghba: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy.com, June 6, 2017, https://heavy.com/news/2017/06/youssef-zaghba-london-bridge-terror-attacks-stabbings-suspect-attacker-killer-name/; Lizzie Dearden, “London attack: Rachid Redouane's wife says she is 'numbed' by his actions amid reports of domestic abuse,” Independent (London), June 7, 2017, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-attack-rachid-redouane-wife-domestic-abuse-numbed-response-bridge-borough-market-isis-a7778041.html. In total, they killed eight people and injured 48 others before police arrived at the scene and shot dead all three assailants.“London attack: Who were the attackers?,” BBC News, June 28, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40173157; Tom Cleary, “Youssef Zaghba: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy.com, June 6, 2017, https://heavy.com/news/2017/06/youssef-zaghba-london-bridge-terror-attacks-stabbings-suspect-attacker-killer-name/. ISIS’s Amaq News Agency claimed responsibility for the attack the next day.Lizzie Dearden, “London terror attack: Isis claims responsibility amid group’s ‘call for increased attacks,’” Independent (London), June 4, 2017, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-terror-attack-isis-claims-responsibility-borough-market-bridge-a7772776.html.

All three men were reportedly linked to the jihadist network al-Muhajiroun, which is banned in the United Kingdom due to its links to terrorism.Rukmini Callimachi and Katirn Bennhold, “London Attackers Slip By Despite an Avalanche of Warnings,” New York Times, June 6, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/world/europe/london-assailants-terrorism-warning-signs-fbi.html, Mark White, “London Bridge attackers were part of banned jihadi network,” Sky News, June 6, 2017, https://news.sky.com/story/london-bridge-attacker-khuram-butt-was-part-of-banned-jihadi-network-10906091. The New York Times reported that Zaghba had initially connected with Italian members of al-Muhajiroun, who put him in contact with Butt.Rukmini Callimachi and Katirn Bennhold, “London Attackers Slip By Despite an Avalanche of Warnings,” New York Times, June 6, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/world/europe/london-assailants-terrorism-warning-signs-fbi.html. Zaghba’s mother claimed that he was radicalized online and became friends with “the wrong people” in England, including Redouane and Butt.Benoit Faucon, “London probe Focuses on Terrorists’ Wider Links,” Wall Street Journal, June 10, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/british-police-name-third-london-bridge-attacker-as-youssef-zaghba-1496746753; Lorenzo Tondo, “Italian officials alerted UK about Youssef Zaghba, says prosecutor,” Guardian (London), June 7, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/07/youssef-zaghba-italian-officials-wrote-to-uk-says-prosecutor. She added that he had spoken of a “pure Islam” that he hoped to find in Syria.Benoit Faucon, “London probe Focuses on Terrorists’ Wider Links,” Wall Street Journal, June 10, 2017, https://www.wsj.com/articles/british-police-name-third-london-bridge-attacker-as-youssef-zaghba-1496746753.