Domestic Terrorists

Also Known As

Abu ZubairHassan Bahara, “Rijst op uit jullie slaap,” De Groene Amsterdammer (Amsterdam), October 22, 2014, https://www.groene.nl/artikel/rijst-op-uit-jullie-slaap.
Mohammed B.Ian Buruma, “Final Cut,” New Yorker, January 3, 2005, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2005/01/03/final-cut-2.
Muhammad BouyeriCraig G. Smith, “Dutch Look for Qaeda Link After Killing of Filmmaker,” New York Times, November 8, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/08/world/europe/dutch-look-for-qaeda-link-after-killing-of-filmmaker.html.

Date of Birth

March 8, 1978

Place of Birth

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Place of Residence

Netherlands (in custody)

Arrested

11/02/2004: murder et al.

Custody

Dutch

Citizenship

Dutch, Moroccan

Education

College (incomplete)

Current Location(s)

Netherlands

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12xSyYz7BCOBExFmRK-2B78L98U3gZCDnm0qS4Pap1h0/edit#gid=0

Extremist Image

Leader

Terry Nichols was a conspirator in the deadliest homegrown terror attack in U.S. history––the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The attack, which took place on April 19, 1995, left 168 people dead and more than 500 others wounded.“Oklahoma City Bombing,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed September 26, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing;
“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html. Nichols helped the bomber, Timothy McVeigh, acquire materials and construct the bomb that would be used in the attack.“McVeigh Chronology,” PBS, accessed September 26, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/mcveigh2.html;
“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/. Nichols was convicted on charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter in federal court and 161 counts of murder in Oklahoma state court, and was accordingly sentenced to a life in prison.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. He was placed in the United States’ highest security prison, the Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado, to serve his life sentence.Mark Binelli, “Inside America’s Toughest Federal Prison,” New York Times, March 26, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/29/magazine/inside-americas-toughest-federal-prison.html.

Nichols was born on a farm in Lapeer, Michigan. He graduated high school and attended Central Michigan University for one semester before dropping out and returning home to help on the family farm. He married in 1981 and had a son the following year. Nichols tried various paths of work, finally joining the U.S. Army in May of 1988.Sandy Shore, “Nichols Called Drifter, Devoted Dad,” Washington Post, September 21, 1997, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/tn-drifter.htm. He underwent basic training in Georgia, where he first met Timothy McVeigh, who he would later help carry out the Oklahoma City attack.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. The two struck up a close relationship founded on their shared conservative, anti-government views.Sandy Shore, “Nichols Called Drifter, Devoted Dad,” Washington Post, September 21, 1997, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/tn-drifter.htm.

Nichols was granted a discharge from the Army to take care of his son after his wife divorced him in October of 1988.Sandy Shore, “Nichols Called Drifter, Devoted Dad,” Washington Post, September 21, 1997, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/tn-drifter.htm. He married again soon after to a mail-order bride from the Philippines, and they had two children together.Sandy Shore, “Nichols Called Drifter, Devoted Dad,” Washington Post, September 21, 1997, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/tn-drifter.htm;
“Key Players: The Accused,” Fox News, June 11, 2001, https://web.archive.org/web/20080414002057/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,26782,00.html. In 1992, Nichols tried to renounce his American citizenship, claiming that he was a “non-resident alien” rather than a “citizen of the corrupt political corporate state of Michigan and the United States of America.”“Key Players: The Accused,” Fox News, June 11, 2001, https://web.archive.org/web/20080414002057/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,26782,00.html. He continued his friendship with McVeigh, who reportedly stayed with Nichols at his home in Michigan on separate occasions in 1992 and 1993.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html;
Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. In 1994, Nichols began working at a Kansas farmhouse, but quit months later to start a business with McVeigh selling guns and military gear.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. Similarly to McVeigh, Nichols shared an affinity for guns and viewed the government as a threat.“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html.

After McVeigh decided to take violent action against the government, Nichols assisted him in constructing the bomb for the Oklahoma City attack. The two worked out of Kansas during the fall of 1994, where they rented a storage locker.“McVeigh Chronology,” PBS, accessed September 26, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/mcveigh2.html. They reportedly robbed an arms dealer at gunpoint for funds, purchased the bomb’s key ingredients––fertilizer and ammonium nitrate, and stole other explosives and materials to construct the 5,000-pound bomb.“McVeigh Chronology,” PBS, accessed September 26, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/mcveigh2.html;
“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/;
“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html;
Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered. In November of 1994, Nichols traveled to the Philippines to see his wife. Before his departure, he reportedly gave his ex-wife in the United States letters to give to McVeigh on the condition that he did not return in two months.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html;
Tom Kenworthy, “Ex-Wife Describes Nichols’s Letters, Defendant Moved to Tears,” Washington Post, November 20, 1997, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/nichols1120.htm. In these letters, which were later revealed in court proceedings, Nichols wrote “your [sic] on your own, go for it.”Tom Kenworthy, “Ex-Wife Describes Nichols’s Letters, Defendant Moved to Tears,” Washington Post, November 20, 1997, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/nichols1120.htm. However, Nichols returned to the United States in January 1995.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html.

On April 18, 1995, the day before the attack, Nichols and McVeigh assembled the bomb in the back of a rented Ryder truck at Geary Lake Start Park in Kansas.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html. On the morning of April 19, 1995, McVeigh drove the truck containing the bomb to the front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. McVeigh parked the truck, ignited the fuse, and departed in a second vehicle. The bomb exploded at 9:02 a.m., blasting apart a third of the building and damaging more than 300 neighboring buildings. In the deadliest homegrown terror attack in U.S. history, the explosion killed 168 people, including 19 children, and injured more than 500 others.“Oklahoma City Bombing,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed September 26, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing;
“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html.

Authorities were ultimately able to identify the suspects by the identification number on one of the axles of the Ryder truck found at the site of the explosion.Hailey Branson-Potts, “After Oklahoma City bombing, McVeigh’s arrest almost went unnoticed,” Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oklahoma-city-bombing-20150419-story.html. Nichols turned himself in to police in Herington, Kansas, on April 21, after he learned that authorities were searching for him. He was charged for his involvement in the attack less than three weeks later, on May 10. Nichols’s brother James was also arrested at the same time on suspicion of being a material witness, but he was released without charge. On August 10, Nichols was indicted on charges of murder and conspiracy. In 1996, the case was moved to Colorado, and Nichols transferred to a prison there.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html.

Nichols’s federal trial began in November of 1997. On December 24, he was convicted on one count of conspiracy and eight counts of involuntary manslaughter after the jury rejected first-degree murder charges.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html;
Lois Romano and Tom Kenworthy, “Nichols Guilty of Conspiracy, Manslaughter,” Washington Post, December 24, 1997, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/nichols1224.htm. Prosecutors sought the death penalty, but Nichols was ultimately spared from it owing to a deadlocked jury.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html. On June 4, 1998, Nichols was sentenced to life in prison.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html.

In addition to his federal trial, Nichols also underwent a state trial in Oklahoma, which began on March 22, 2004. On May 26, he was convicted of 161 counts of murder. Once again, the jury was deadlocked on the possibility of the death penalty as a sentence, so Nichols was again sentenced to a life in prison without the possibility of parole.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. Nichols was placed in a maximum-security prison in Florence, Colorado, to serve his life sentence.Mark Binelli, “Inside America’s Toughest Federal Prison,” New York Times, March 26, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/29/magazine/inside-americas-toughest-federal-prison.html.

On April 1, 2005, upon searching Nichols’ former home, the FBI announced that they found explosives and other bomb-making materials that they had missed during their previous searches.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html. Authorities were tipped off by Gregory Scarpa Jr., a fellow inmate at Nichols’s maximum-security prison in Colorado. Nichols reportedly revealed to Scarpa that there were still hidden explosives that the FBI had not found after Scarpa befriended him in the hope of learning more about the Oklahoma City attack.Nolan Clay, “Mobster must serve full sentence despite OKC bombing revelation,” Oklahoma City News, August 19, 2017, http://newsok.com/article/5560787. However, the discovery did not lead to any legal changes in Nichols’s case.Lloyd Vries, “Discovery Linked to Okla. Bombing,” CBS News, April 1, 2005, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/discovery-linked-to-okla-bombing/.

In 2011, it was revealed that Nichols had been corresponding with a woman named Jannie Coverdale, who lost two grandchildren in the Oklahoma City bombing.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. In the letters, he expressed remorse and claimed that he had believed that McVeigh would use the bomb to destroy “some type of monument, bridge, or similar structure,” rather than an occupied building.Kris Gutierrez, “Oklahoma City Bombing Co-Conspirator Reaches Out to Victims in letters,” Fox News, November 29, 2011, http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/29/oklahoma-city-bombing-co-conspirator-reaches-out-to-victims-in-letters.html;
Nolan Clay, “Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichol writes he ‘grieves daily,’” NewsOK, November 28, 2011, http://newsok.com/article/3627242;
“Oklahoma City co-conspirator grieves daily,” United Press International, November 28, 2011, https://www.upi.com/Oklahoma-City-co-conspirator-grieves-daily/26991322502229/.

Types of operatives

Position

Conspirator, domestic terrorist

Also Known As

Terry Lynn Nichols“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html.

Date of Birth

April 1, 1955

Place of Birth

Lapeer, Michigan

Place of Residence

Florence, Colorado (in custody)

Arrested

04/21/1995: material witness

Custody

U.S.

Citizenship

U.S.

Education

College (incomplete

Current Location(s)

Colorado

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZP7QpOPQkHjPi_C362qoq7ulLVhaZt6Q9egmcETlEd4/edit#gid=0

Extremist Image

Country of Origin

Leader

Timothy McVeigh was the perpetrator of the deadliest homegrown terror attack in U.S. history––the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The attack, which took place on April 19, 1995, left 168 people dead and more than 500 others injured.“Oklahoma City Bombing,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed September 26, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing;
“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html. McVeigh, who was associated with the militant right-wing Patriot Movement, was convicted on eleven counts of murder, conspiracy, and using a weapon of mass destruction. McVeigh became the first person to be executed for a federal crime in the United States since 1963. He was put to death by lethal injection on June 11, 2001.“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html.

McVeigh was born and raised in Pendleton, New York, in a rural community near Buffalo. His mother left home when he was ten years old, and he was subsequently raised by his father. He graduated from high school and briefly attended a two-year business college before dropping out and working a series of odd jobs. McVeigh became obsessed with guns and adopted a so-called “survivalist” mindset, stockpiling weapons and food in preparation for an imminent attack or societal catastrophe.“Profile: Timothy McVeigh,” BBC News, May 11, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1321244.stm; “Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. At one point, he even bought 10 acres of woodland that he intended to transform into a survivalist bunker.“Key Players: The Accused,” Fox News, June 11, 2001, https://web.archive.org/web/20080414002057/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,26782,00.html. He immersed himself in right-wing militia literature and was especially interested in The Turner Diaries, a racist, anti-Semitic novel by white nationalist William Luther Pierce about a government overthrow and the extermination of non-white races.“Key Players: The Accused,” Fox News, June 11, 2001, https://web.archive.org/web/20080414002057/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,26782,00.html;
“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. The Turner Diaries has inspired multiple acts of terrorism and violence, including McVeigh’s bombing. The book describes a truck bomb blowing up the FBI headquarters, which prosecutors called a “blue print” for the Oklahoma City bombing.Christopher Reed, “William Pierce – The ‘theoretician’ of America’s extreme right and author of the book that was claimed to have inspired the Oklahoma City bombing,” Guardian (London), July 25, 2002, https://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/jul/25/guardianobituaries.booksobituaries1; Jo Thomas, “Behind a Book That Inspired McVeigh,” New York Times, June 9, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/09/us/behind-a-book-that-inspired-mcveigh.html. McVeigh also reportedly sold The Turner Diaries at gun shows.Katheen Belew, Bring the War Home (Cambridge: Harvard University Press 2018), 110. Police found pages of The Turner Diaries in McVeigh’s car after the bombing.Jo Thomas, “Behind a Book That Inspired McVeigh,” New York Times, June 9, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/09/us/behind-a-book-that-inspired-mcveigh.html.

McVeigh joined the U.S. Army in May of 1988, reportedly out of a desire to improve his survival and gun-handling skills.“Profile: Timothy McVeigh,” BBC News, May 11, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1321244.stm;
“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. He undertook his basic training in Georgia, where he first met Terry Nichols, who would later become an accomplice in the Oklahoma City attack.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas, as part of the Army’s 1^st Infantry Division, and was later promoted to platoon leader. In 1991, he was deployed in combat in the Gulf War, and received various medals for his service, including a Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html;
Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. Upon his return, he tried to join the Special Forces, but was unable to keep up with the physical demands of training and dropped out. Reportedly disappointed, he left the Army during the fall of 1991.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html.

After leaving the Army, McVeigh spent a year living back at home with his father before leaving to travel and follow gun shows around the country in 1993.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html;
Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. Two events––the siege at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, in August 1992 and the siege at Waco, Texas, in 1993––reportedly exacerbated McVeigh’s anti-government sentiments, and he is believed to have traveled to Waco to witness part of the siege for himself.“Profile: Timothy McVeigh,” BBC News, May 11, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1321244.stm;
“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. After these events, he expressed in letters to his sister that “war had been declared” by the government and that he viewed himself as “a soldier defending his country from oppressors,” according to the Washington Post.Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. Between 1992 and 1995, McVeigh reportedly stayed for periods of time with Nichols at his home in Michigan and with Michael Fortier, another Army acquaintance who would later be indicted for his awareness of the bombing plot, at his ranch in Arizona.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html;
Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. In 1994, McVeigh started a business with Nichols selling guns and other military gear.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. Similarly to McVeigh, both Nichols and Fortier shared an affinity for guns and viewed the government as a threat.“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html.

In response to what McVeigh viewed to be “multiple and more aggressive raids across the country” on the part of the government, he began to consider taking violent action. He later stated that he first considered a “campaign of individual assassination” against government figures that had been involved in the events of Ruby Ridge and Waco.Susan Saluny, “McVeigh Says He Considered Killing Reno,” New York Times, April 27, 2001, http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/27/us/mcveigh-says-he-considered-killing-reno.html. Ultimately, however, McVeigh began planning an attack on a government facility. According to CNN, he later claimed that he chose the Murrah Building because the target would provide excellent camera angles for media coverage.“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html. Other accounts, however, reported that McVeigh had originally intended to bomb the courthouse next door from its underground garage but that he had changed his plan at the last minute due to logistical reasons.Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered. McVeigh selected April 19 as the date of the attack because it was the anniversary of the Waco assault and of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which he viewed as symbolic of revolution.Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm.

Nichols assisted McVeigh in the construction of the bomb. The two worked out of Kansas during the fall of 1994, renting a storage locker.“McVeigh Chronology,” PBS, accessed September 26, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/mcveigh2.html. They reportedly robbed an arms dealer at gunpoint for funds, purchased the bomb’s key ingredients––fertilizer and ammonium nitrate, and stole other explosives and materials to construct the 5,000-pound bomb.“McVeigh Chronology,” PBS, accessed September 26, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/mcveigh2.html;
“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/; “Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html;
Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered. McVeigh rented a Ryder truck on April 17, 1995, that he would later use to transport and conceal the bomb. On April 18, the day before the attack, McVeigh and Nichols assembled the bomb in the back of the Ryder truck at Geary Lake Start Park in Kansas.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html. Authorities were never able to discover where the two learned how to build such a powerful bomb, as they had only received basic explosives training in the Army.Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered.

On the morning of April 19, 1995, McVeigh drove the Ryder truck containing the bomb to the front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. McVeigh parked the truck, ignited the fuse, and departed in a second vehicle. The bomb exploded at 9:02 a.m., blasting apart a third of the building and damaging more than 300 neighboring buildings. The explosion, which was the deadliest homegrown terror attack in U.S. history, killed 168 people, including 19 children, and injured more than 500 others.“Oklahoma City Bombing,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed September 26, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing;
“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html. Although the FBI ultimately concluded that McVeigh acted alone in carrying out the bombing, more than 20 witnesses contended that they saw other people with McVeigh on the morning of April 19.“FBI: McVeigh knew children would be killed in OKC blast,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/mcveigh.book.01/index.html;
Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered.

Approximately an hour and a half after the explosion, McVeigh was pulled over by a sheriff on an Oklahoma highway because the car that he was driving did not have a license plate. At the time, he was not yet identified as a suspect in the bombing, but he was arrested by the sheriff for unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon. Authorities were ultimately able to track down McVeigh by the identification number on one of the axles of the Ryder truck found at the site of the explosion.Hailey Branson-Potts, “After Oklahoma City bombing, McVeigh’s arrest almost went unnoticed,” Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oklahoma-city-bombing-20150419-story.html. When he was identified as a suspect, authorities discovered that he was already in a county jail in Perry, Oklahoma.Hailey Branson-Potts, “After Oklahoma City bombing, McVeigh’s arrest almost went unnoticed,” Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oklahoma-city-bombing-20150419-story.html. On April 21, authorities arrested him in connection with the bombing.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html.

McVeigh was indicted on charges of murder and conspiracy on August 10, 1995. In 1996, the case was moved to Colorado, and McVeigh transferred to a prison there.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html. McVeigh’s trial began on April 24, 1997, in Denver, Colorado. On June 2, he was convicted on eleven counts of murder, conspiracy, and using a weapon of mass destruction, and sentenced to the death penalty the following week.“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html;
“Charges against McVeigh,” CNN, June 2, 1997, http://www.cnn.com/US/9706/02/charges/. In December 2000, after losing two appeals, McVeigh stated that he wanted to die. He referred to the execution as “state-assisted suicide” and requested that his lawyers not attempt any more appeals.Simon Jeffrey, “The execution of Timothy McVeigh,” Guardian (London), June 11, 2001, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/jun/11/qanda.terrorism.

McVeigh spoke about his motivations for the bombing. He underwent more than 75 hours of interviews with journalists Lou Michel and Dan Herbeck, who published a biography about him called American Terrorist on April 3, 2001.“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html;
“American Terrorist: Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing,” Amazon, accessed September 27, 2017, https://www.amazon.com/American-Terrorist-Timothy-McVeigh-Oklahoma/dp/0060394. According to the journalists, McVeigh believed that his actions were justified, never expressing any remorse for the bombing.“FBI: McVeigh knew children would be killed in OKC blast,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/mcveigh.book.01/index.html. On April 26, 2001, McVeigh sent a letter to Fox News explaining and defending his reasons for the bombing. He stated that the bombing was intended as a strike against hostile government actions, including the Waco siege, and called it “morally and strategically equivalent” to U.S. military actions abroad.“McVeigh’s April 26 Letter to Fox News,” Fox News, April 26, 2001, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2001/04/26/mcveigh-apr-26-letter-to-fox-news.html. In other letters written by him that were published by a Buffalo newspaper, McVeigh called the bombing a “legit tactic” against what he considered to be an oppressive government.“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/.

McVeigh was executed by lethal injection on June 11, 2001.Simon Jeffrey, “The execution of Timothy McVeigh,” Guardian (London), June 11, 2001, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/jun/11/qanda.terrorism. According to CNN, his attorneys reported that before his execution McVeigh remained calm, acted “ready to die,” and continued to believe that “what he did was right.”“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/.

Violent right-wing extremists have continued to glorify McVeigh in the years since his death. In August 2017, authorities in Oklahoma City arrested Jerry Drake Varnell after he attempted to detonate what he thought was a bomb outside an Oklahoma City bank. The bomb comprised fake explosives provided by the FBI as part of an investigation into Varnell, who reportedly admired McVeigh and sought to emulate him.Devlin Barrett, “Man charged in anti-government bomb plot in Oklahoma City,” Washington Post, August 15, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/oklahoma-man-charged-in-anti-government-bomb-plot/2017/08/14/97816686-80f9-11e7-ab27-1a21a8e006ab_story.html. Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 in attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March 2019, posted memes and other images of McVeigh on social media prior to the Christchurch attack.Candace Sutton, “Neighbours, associates of Christchurch mosque gunman Brenton Tarrant say there was something ‘off’ about him,” News.com.au, March 17, 2019, https://www.news.com.au/world/pacific/neighbours-associates-of-brenton-tarrant-say-there-was-something-off-about-him/news-story/e76a6f40a2f21f121546bc469bf7e7b7. Tarrant admitted his guilt in March 2020.Eleanor Ainge Roy and Charlotte Graham-McLay, “Christchurch gunman pleads guilty to New Zealand mosque attacks that killed 51,” Guardian (London), March 25, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/christchurch-shooting-brenton-tarrant-pleads-guilty-to-new-zealand-mosque-attacks-that-killed-51.

Types of operatives

Position

Domestic Terrorist

Also Known As

Tim McVeigh“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html.

Date of Birth

April 23, 1968

Place of Birth

Pendleton, New York

Place of Residence

N/A (deceased)

Arrested

04/19/1995: concealed weapon; 04/21/1995: murder et al.

Custody

U.S. (prior to execution)

Citizenship

U.S.

Education

College (incomplete)

Current Location(s)

Colorado

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EFyZ4Egw5rKLW6CrB0a4h_JgvA7mg-UYNq8JbATXfgw/edit#gid=0

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Domestic terrorist. Blew up the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, killing 168. Sentenced to death and executed in 2001.

Connection to The Turner Diaries

Immersed himself in right-wing militia literature and was especially interested in The Turner Diaries. Police found a copy of The Turner Diaries in McVeigh’s car after the bombing. The book describes a truck bomb blowing up the FBI headquarters, which prosecutors called a “blue print” for the Oklahoma City bombing. McVeigh also reportedly sold The Turner Diaries at gun shows. Weeks before McVeigh’s execution in 2001, Pierce called the bomber “a man of principle” who was “willing to accept the consequences” of what he did.

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Guardian, New York Times, Fox News, CNN, Bring the War Home

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Mohamed Merah was the perpetrator of the March 2012 gun attacks in Toulouse and Montauban, France. The three gun attacks—which took place over the course of nine days—left a total of seven people dead, including three French soldiers and three children. Merah claimed to be affiliated with al-Qaeda and said that he carried out the attacks as revenge both for France’s foreign interventions and for the treatment of Palestinian children.Laura Smith-Spark, “Who was French gunman Mohammed Merah?” CNN, March 23, 2012, http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/21/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect-profile/index.html. Merah was killed by police on March 22, 2012, as he attempted to escape his apartment after a 32-hour siege.“Toulouse siege: Mohamed Merah shot in head,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160670/Toulouse-siege-Mohamed-Merah-shot-in-head.html.

Merah was born in Toulouse, France, to family of Algerian descent.Harriet Alexander and Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shootings: the making of a French jihadi killer with a double life,” Telegraph (London), March 24, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9165091/Toulouse-shootings-the-making-of-a-French-jihadi-killer-with-a-double-life.html. Merah’s parents divorced when he was five years old and he was subsequently raised by his mother.Harriet Alexander and Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shootings: the making of a French jihadi killer with a double life,” Telegraph (London), March 24, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9165091/Toulouse-shootings-the-making-of-a-French-jihadi-killer-with-a-double-life.html. One of Merah’s brothers, Abdelghani Merah, would later claim that their parents had been abusive and neglectful.John Litchfield, “How my hate-filled family spawned Merah the monster,” Independent (London), November 12, 2012, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/how-my-hate-filled-family-spawned-merah-the-monster-8307341.html. Merah was reportedly expelled multiple times from school, eventually dropping out and working for some time as a car mechanic. He was arrested a total of 18 times for minor offenses such as vandalism and theft, and was imprisoned in December 2007 for 18 months for stealing a handbag. He reportedly received psychiatric treatment after trying to commit suicide while in prison in December 2008.Harriet Alexander and Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shootings: the making of a French jihadi killer with a double life,” Telegraph (London), March 24, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9165091/Toulouse-shootings-the-making-of-a-French-jihadi-killer-with-a-double-life.html. After his release from prison, Merah applied to join the French army, but was rejected due to his criminal record. Two years later, he applied to join the French Foreign Legion, but he either withdrew or was rejected again.“Merah: From petty criminal to killer,” Al Jazeera, March 22, 2012, http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/03/201232211333224295.html;
Dan Bilefsky, “Toulouse Killer’s Path to Radicalism a Bitter Puzzle,” New York Times, March 29, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/europe/toulouse-killers-path-a-bitter-puzzle.html.

Authorities have not been able to determine exactly when Merah was first drawn to extremist movements. Merah’s brother Abdelghani would later claim that they had been raised in an “atmosphere of racism and hatred” and that their brother Abdelkader and sister Souad encouraged Merah to adopt anti-Semitic and extremist beliefs.John Litchfield, “How my hate-filled family spawned Merah the monster,” Independent (London), November 12, 2012, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/how-my-hate-filled-family-spawned-merah-the-monster-8307341.html. His mother married Sabri Essid, who was convicted in 2009 for running an al-Qaeda safe house in Syria and recruiting fighters for the group.Dan Bilefsky, “Toulouse Killer’s Path to Radicalism a Bitter Puzzle,” New York Times, March 29, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/europe/toulouse-killers-path-a-bitter-puzzle.html;
Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, “How did Mohammed Merah become a jihadist?” CNN, March 26, 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect/. Merah himself would later claim that he became radicalized while in prison.Richard Galpin, “Toulouse shootings: Merah’s path to murder,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17481537. CNN also reports that at some point, Merah developed connections to Forsane Alizza, an extremist group in France that supported al-Qaeda.Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, “How did Mohammed Merah become a jihadist?” CNN, March 26, 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect/. In 2010, Merah reportedly forced a boy to watch violent videos, and physically attacked the boy’s sister while claiming allegiance to al-Qaeda, but no prosecution ensued.“Obituary: Tolouse gunman Mohamed Merah,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17456541;
“Toulouse siege: Mohamed Merah shot in head,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160670/Toulouse-siege-Mohamed-Merah-shot-in-head.html. According to acquaintances, Merah rarely spoke about religion, although he was an observant Muslim.“Merah: From petty criminal to killer,” Al Jazeera, March 22, 2012, http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/03/201232211333224295.html.

In 2010 and 2011, Merah traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan, respectively. According to former French interior minister Claude Gueant, these trips further solidified his radicalization.“Merah: From petty criminal to killer,” Al Jazeera, March 22, 2012, http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/03/201232211333224295.html. Merah traveled to Afghanistan in 2010, first passing through Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Israel. He was reportedly detained for a brief time in Israel for possessing a knife, and for a second time in Kandahar, Afghanistan, for an undisclosed reason. After his detainment by Afghan police in November, he was turned over to U.S. custody, and later returned to France.Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, “How did Mohammed Merah become a jihadist?” CNN, March 26, 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect/;
“Obituary: Tolouse gunman Mohamed Merah,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17456541. In 2011, Merah again traveled to the region on a two-month trip to Pakistan.Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, “How did Mohammed Merah become a jihadist?” CNN, March 26, 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect/. Merah’s two trips to the region raised the suspicions of French intelligence officials, but upon his return in November 2011, he reportedly showed them a photograph reel intending to prove that he had simply been a tourist.“Merah: From petty criminal to killer,” Al Jazeera, March 22, 2012, http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/03/201232211333224295.html;
“Obituary: Tolouse gunman Mohamed Merah,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17456541. Merah later claimed that he had been trained by an al-Qaeda operative while in Pakistan, and a French newspaper reported that he trained with Taliban fighters there who sent him to fight NATO forces in Afghanistan.Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, “How did Mohammed Merah become a jihadist?” CNN, March 26, 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect/;
“Merah: From petty criminal to killer,” Al Jazeera, March 22, 2012, http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2012/03/201232211333224295.html. Merah would also later claim that “brothers in Pakistan” provided him with the necessary funds to purchase weapons and carry out his attacks. However, officials maintain that he more likely obtained these funds through a series of jobs and criminal activities.Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, “How did Mohammed Merah become a jihadist?” CNN, March 26, 2012, http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/26/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect/.

In March of 2012, Merah carried out a series of three gun attacks in the cities of Toulouse and Montauban, France, though he was not identified until after the third attack.“Shootings in Toulouse and Montauban: What we know,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17428860. Merah reportedly arrived on the scene of each shooting on a Yamaha motorcycle that police later determined was stolen in May of 2011, although he had it repainted from black to white before the third attack in an attempt to thwart identification.“Shootings in Toulouse and Montauban: What we know,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17428860;
John Irish, “French ‘gunman’ trapped by email, bike,” Reuters, March 22, 2012, http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-france-shootings-investigation/french-gunman-trapped-by-email-bike-idUKBRE82L0H620120322. He also used the same Colt 45 pistol in all three attacks.“Shootings in Toulouse and Montauban: What we know,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17428860. Merah filmed each attack with a GoPro camera strapped to his body, and claimed to have posted the footage online.Henry Samuel, “Toulouse siege: Mohamed Merah claimed he posted footage of all the attacks online,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9161157/Toulouse-siege-Mohamed-Merah-claimed-he-posted-footage-of-all-the-attacks-online.html. Authorities were able to obtain and view the footage, and a transcript was released in January 2013.“Merah victim Imad Ibn Ziaten ‘refused to lie down,’” BBC News, January 18, 2013, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-21088665;
Henry Samuel, “Toulouse siege: Mohamed Merah claimed he posted footage of all the attacks online,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9161157/Toulouse-siege-Mohamed-Merah-claimed-he-posted-footage-of-all-the-attacks-online.html.

On March 11, 2012, Merah shot dead Imad Ibn-Ziaten, a staff sergeant in the 1^st Airborne Transportation Regiment of the French Army, behind a school in Toulouse around 4:00 P.M. local time. Merah had arranged a meeting with Ibn-Ziaten via phone call after the sergeant had posted an advertisement online to sell a motorcycle, in which he had explicitly identified himself as a soldier.“Shootings in Toulouse and Montauban: What we know,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17428860. Merah reportedly asked Ibn-Ziaten, “Are you a soldier?” and after killing him, stated, “That is Islam, my brother: you kill my brothers, I kill you.”“Merah victim Imad Ibn Ziaten ‘refused to lie down,’” BBC News, January 18, 2013, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-21088665.

On March 15, Merah shot dead two paratroopers of the French Army’s 17^th Airbone Combat Engineering Regiment, Corporal Abel Chennouf and Private Mohamed Legoud, and seriously injured a third, Corporal Loic Liber, outside of a shopping center in Montauban around 2:00 P.M. local time. The paratroopers had been waiting to withdraw money from a cash machine. Witnesses reported that Merah acted calmly, moved aside an elderly woman who was also in line before firing, and fired three shots into one of the wounded victims trying to get away.“Shootings in Toulouse and Montauban: What we know,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17428860. Merah yelled “Allah Akhbar!” as he fled the scene on a motorcycle.Harriet Alexander and Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shootings: the making of a French jihadi killer with a double life,” Telegraph (London), March 24, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9165091/Toulouse-shootings-the-making-of-a-French-jihadi-killer-with-a-double-life.html. After the shooting, authorities launched a manhunt for the attacker, whose identity they had not yet determined.“Toulouse shootings and siege: timeline,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160016/Toulouse-shootings-and-siege-timeline.html.

On March 19, Merah indiscriminately opened fire outside the Ozar Hatorah Jewish School in Toulouse, shortly after 8:00 a.m. local time, killing four people.“Shootings in Toulouse and Montauban: What we know,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17428860;
Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shooting: little girl cornered in school and shot in head,” Telegraph (London), March 19, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9154350/Toulouse-shooting-little-girl-cornered-in-school-and-shot-in-head.html. He first parked his motorcycle and shot from a distance, killing a rabbi named Jonathan Sandler and Sandler’s two sons, who were three and six years old, then entered the schoolyard to pursue and shoot a seven-year old girl, Miriam, who was the daughter of the school principal.Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shooting: little girl cornered in school and shot in head,” Telegraph (London), March 19, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9154350/Toulouse-shooting-little-girl-cornered-in-school-and-shot-in-head.html. He shot another boy, aged 17, who tried to shield Miriam and suffered critical injuries. Merah then reportedly cornered Miriam, grabbed her by the hair and shooting her in the head.Hillary Zaken, “French teen who tried to save Toulouse victim still hospitalized,” Times of Israel, March 22, 2012, http://www.timesofisrael.com/french-teenager-who-tried-to-save-toulouse-victim-still-hospitalized/;
Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shooting: little girl cornered in school and shot in head,” Telegraph (London), March 19, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9154350/Toulouse-shooting-little-girl-cornered-in-school-and-shot-in-head.html.

Authorities did not identify Merah until after the three attacks, and Merah had taken care not to leave any fingerprints or DNA on the magazine and shell casings from his weapon. Authorities were first able to first identify Merah as a suspect by the computer IP address of his response to the advertisement posted by Ibn-Ziaten. After his second attack, Merah visited a motorcycle dealership and asked whether it would be possible to remove the GPS tracking device from the bike and mentioned that he had recently repainted it white. Merah’s name was in the dealership’s customer files, and authorities identified him after the third attack.John Irish, “French ‘gunman’ trapped by email, bike,” Reuters, March 22, 2012, http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-france-shootings-investigation/french-gunman-trapped-by-email-bike-idUKBRE82L0H620120322.

On March 21, police surrounded Merah’s apartment after he was identified as the prime suspect.“Toulouse shootings and siege: timeline,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160016/Toulouse-shootings-and-siege-timeline.html. Reportedly armed with multiple weapons, Merah resisted capture for more than 32 hours, opening fire whenever police would approach, wounding three officers.“Obituary: Tolouse gunman Mohamed Merah,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17456541; “Toulouse siege: Mohamed Merah shot in head,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160670/Toulouse-siege-Mohamed-Merah-shot-in-head.html;
“Toulouse shootings and siege: timeline,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160016/Toulouse-shootings-and-siege-timeline.html. During the siege negotiations, he claimed the attacks were in response to the death of Palestinian children, and to protest French foreign military interventions and its ban on the Islamic veil.Harriet Alexander and Fiona Govan, “Toulouse shootings: the making of a French jihadi killer with a double life,” Telegraph (London), March 24, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9165091/Toulouse-shootings-the-making-of-a-French-jihadi-killer-with-a-double-life.html. He claimed that he intended to carry out more attacks, and expressed regret that he did not kill more people.Laura Smith-Spark, “Who was French gunman Mohammed Merah?” CNN, March 23, 2012, http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/21/world/europe/france-shooting-suspect-profile/index.html. He also claimed that he was part of al-Qaeda and bragged about having “brought France to its knees.”“Obituary: Tolouse gunman Mohamed Merah,” BBC News, March 22, 2012, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17456541. On March 22, police attempted to storm his apartment. Merah was finally shot in the head after he jumped out of a widow in an attempt to escape.“Toulouse siege: Mohamed Merah shot in head,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160670/Toulouse-siege-Mohamed-Merah-shot-in-head.html.

Merah’s mother and four siblings were briefly detained after the attacks, and his brother Abdelkader was indicted on charges of complicity.“Toulouse shootings and siege: timeline,” Telegraph (London), March 22, 2012, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9160016/Toulouse-shootings-and-siege-timeline.html;
Dan Bilefsky, “Toulouse Killer’s Path to Radicalism a Bitter Puzzle,” New York Times, March 29, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/europe/toulouse-killers-path-a-bitter-puzzle.html.

Types of operatives

Extremist Entity Name

Al-Qaeda

Position

Domestic terrorist (allegedly affiliated with al-Qaeda)

Also Known As

Mohammed MerahDan Bilefsky, “Toulouse Killer’s Path to Radicalism a Bitter Puzzle,” New York Times, March 29, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/europe/toulouse-killers-path-a-bitter-puzzle.html.

Date of Birth

October 10, 1988

Place of Birth

Toulouse, France

Place of Residence

N/A (deceased)

Arrested

Since 2005: theft and 17 minor offenses

Custody

France (former)

Citizenship

French

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XTp1l7VZGzOuiPG7mANW7Myt7_VElF-aPE3J5I4Z-_Q/edit#gid=0

Extremist Image

Extremist Entity Association

Threat Link

Extremist Entity Name

Al-Qaeda

Extremist Entity Link

Leader

Abdel Malik Petitjean was one of two assailants to storm a church in the French town of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray on July 26, 2016, killing the priest, Jacques Hamel, and taking hostage the four others in attendance.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days. Petitjean, who was 19 years old, and his fellow assailant, Adel Kermiche, were killed by French police as they attempted to exit the church.French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761. The ISIS-affiliated Amaq News Agency released a video the following day showing Petitjean and Kermiche swearing allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS’s leader.Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661. An investigation later uncovered communications on the encrypted messaging service Telegram between the two men and Rachid Kassim, a French-born ISIS recruiter operating out of Iraq and Syria.Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html.

Petitjean was born to a family of Algerian immigrants in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, a town in eastern France, later moving to the southern town of Aix-les-Bans.“Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean: 5 Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy, July 28, 2016, http://heavy.com/news/2016/07/abdel-malik-nabil-petitjean-french-priest-murder-suspect-named-identified-isis-video-photo-adel-kermiche-jacques-hamel/. As a teenager, he reportedly enjoyed science-fiction films and video games and did not immediately come across as extremist.“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706. Petitjean reportedly graduated from a vocational school in 2015“Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean: 5 Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy, July 28, 2016, http://heavy.com/news/2016/07/abdel-malik-nabil-petitjean-french-priest-murder-suspect-named-identified-isis-video-photo-adel-kermiche-jacques-hamel/. and worked part-time sales jobs.“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706. One report suggests that he worked as a baggage handler at an airport until April of 2016.Lara Marlowe, “Priest’s killers were Isis apprentices who met through app,” Irish Times (Dublin), August 2, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/priest-s-killers-were-isis-apprentices-who-met-through-app-1.2741769.

On June 10, 2016, Petitjean attempted to travel to Syria via Turkey to join ISIS, but ultimately stopped in Turkey and returned to France the following day.“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706;
Jamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/. Perceiving Petitjean as a potential threat to security because of this travel, French authorities added Petitjean to a watch list called the “S List” on June 29, 2016.Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661;
“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706.

Petitjean and Kermiche met via the Internet only days before they carried out their joint attack. The two reportedly first made contact over Telegram on the night of July 21, 2016.“Saint-Etienne du Rouvray: les échanges glaçants des terroristes avant l’attaque,” L’Express (Paris), September 11, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html. It is suspected that the two were put into contact with one another by Kassim, who is believed to have orchestrated the attack remotely.Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html. Kermiche and Petitjean first met in person when Petitjean travelled 700 kilometers to Kermiche’s home in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray on July 22, the day after they first made contact online.Lara Marlowe, “Priest’s killers were Isis apprentices who met through app,” Irish Times (Dublin), August 2, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/priest-s-killers-were-isis-apprentices-who-met-through-app-1.2741769;
“Saint-Etienne du Rouvray: les échanges glaçants des terroristes avant l’attaque,” L’Express (Paris), September 11, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-les-echanges-glacants-des-terroristes-avant-l-attaque_1848943.html. The two decided on the Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Kermiche’s hometown as the target.“Saint-Etienne du Rouvray: les échanges glaçants des terroristes avant l’attaque,” L’Express (Paris), September 11, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-les-echanges-glacants-des-terroristes-avant-l-attaque_1848943.html. Although Kermiche wore a tracking anklet, it was turned off for four hours each morning, allowing them a window of time in which to carry out the attack.French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
“French church killer Adel Kermiche: ‘A ticking time bomb,’” Irish Times (Dublin), July 27, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/french-church-killer-adel-kermiche-a-ticking-time-bomb-1.2735986.

Four days before the attack, Petitjean posted a video on Telegram in which he called for Muslims to strike at France and, addressing French president François Hollande, asserted that “we are going to destroy your country and raise our banner.”Lara Marlowe, “Priest’s killers were Isis apprentices who met through app,” Irish Times (Dublin), August 2, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/priest-s-killers-were-isis-apprentices-who-met-through-app-1.2741769. The same day, a foreign intelligence organization allegedly alerted French authorities about the video, providing a photo of an unidentified man––Petitjean––and a warning that he “could be ready to participate in an attack on national territory.”Jamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/;
Lara Marlowe, “Priest’s killers were Isis apprentices who met through app,” Irish Times (Dublin), August 2, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/priest-s-killers-were-isis-apprentices-who-met-through-app-1.2741769;
Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661. Although the photo was circulated by police,Jamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/;
Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661. no photo of Petitjean existed on government records despite his placement on the “S List,” so authorities were unable to identify him.Lara Marlowe, “Priest’s killers were Isis apprentices who met through app,” Irish Times (Dublin), August 2, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/priest-s-killers-were-isis-apprentices-who-met-through-app-1.2741769. Petitjean was ultimately not identified until DNA testing was performed after the attack.“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706.

Petitjean and Kermiche launched their attack at the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray on July 26, 2016. At approximately 9:25 a.m. local time, the two stormed the church, where morning Mass was taking place. After entering the church and taking two parishioners and two nuns as hostages, a third nun was able to escape as the two assailants reportedly forced the 86-year-old priest present, Jacques Hamel, to his knees, slitting his throat.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days. While Hamel bled to death on the floor, Petitjean and Kermiche forced one of the hostages, Guy Coponet, to record the two assailants chanting what the victims described as an Arabic sermon before stabbing him in the hip and throat, leaving him seriously wounded.Jamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/;
“French survivor tells of Rouen priest’s jihadist murder,” BBC News, September 26, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37505350;
Euan McKirdy, “Second French church attacker identified,” CNN, July 28, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/28/europe/france-normandy-church-attack/index.html. The nun that escaped, known as Sister Danielle, managed to contact local police.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761.

According to prosecutor François Molins, the police attempted to negotiate with the terrorists via a side door, but were unable to enter the building due to the use of the remaining three hostages as human shields.Tim Hume, Eliott C. McLaughlin, and Margot Haddad, “Hollande: Deadly church attack in France carried out in name of ISIS,” CNN, July 27, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/26/europe/france-normandy-church-hostage/index.html;
“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761. The police unit involved in the rescue attempt was the Brigade de Recherce et d’Intervention (Research and Intervention Brigade or BRI), which specializes in hostage situations.“Adel Kermiche et Abdel Malik Petitjean, tueurs de l’église de Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray,” L’Express (Paris), http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/fait-divers/adel-kermiche-et-abdel-malik-petitjean-tueurs-de-l-eglise-de-saint-etienne-du-rouvray_1816387.html. At 10:45 a.m. local time, Petitjean and Kermiche attempted to leave the church, continuing to use the hostages as human shields for their exit.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days. One of the assailants reportedly carried a fake explosive device attached to a kitchen timer, and the other wore a fake explosive belt and one also reportedly had a gun.Tim Hume, Eliott C. McLaughlin, and Margot Haddad, “Hollande: Deadly church attack in France carried out in name of ISIS,” CNN, July 27, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/26/europe/france-normandy-church-hostage/index.html;
“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761. The two assailants charged forward, shouting “Allahu akhbar!” but they were shot dead by the police.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days.

The day after the attack, ISIS’s Amaq news agency released a video showing Petitjean and Kermiche swearing their allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661. While it remained unclear at the time whether Petitjean and Kermiche received any direct instructions or support from ISIS, an audio file was later released through Telegram in which the speaker, believed by authorities to be Kassim, praised Kermiche and Petitjean for their actions.“Did jihadist Rashid Kassim lure French youths to plot attacks?” BBC News, September 15, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37340697. An investigation later discovered that the three communicated over Telegram,Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html. and it is suspected that Kassim first brought the two into contact“Did jihadist Rashid Kassim lure French youths to plot attacks?” BBC News, September 15, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37340697. and directed them in carrying out the attack.Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html.

Petitjean’s acquaintances told news outlets that they were surprised about Petitjean’s involvement in the attacks. According to Petitjean’s mother Yamina Boukessoula, he had never spoken about ISIS.Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661. At first, she refused to believe that he was involved in the attack, stating “He was a good French citizen. He is gentle. I know my child, I know my son. He was not involved at all.”“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706.

Petitjean reportedly had informed her that he left home to travel to visit a cousin in northeastern France“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706. and sent her a text message on the morning of the attack that said, “Don’t worry, everything is fine… I love you.”Jamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/. A self-described friend of Petitjean from his hometown similarly stated, “It is hard to believe. He was against Daesh [ISIS]… He was not radical at all.”“France church attack: ‘Gentle’ boy who became a killer,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36914706. Djamel Tazghat, who managed the mosque in Aix-les-Bains which Petitjean, said, “we never had a problem with [Petitjean] at the mosque. No strange observations, he was always smiling.”Jamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/.

Types of operatives

Extremist Entity Name

ISIS

Position

Domestic terrorist

Also Known As

Abdelmalik PetitjeanDavid Millward, “Normandy attack: Muslim leaders refuse to bury priest killer Adel Kermiche,” Telegraph (London), July 31, 2016, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/30/normandy-attack-muslim-leaders-refuse-to-bury-priest-killer-adel/.
Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean“Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean: 5 Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy, July 28, 2016, http://heavy.com/news/2016/07/abdel-malik-nabil-petitjean-french-priest-murder-suspect-named-identified-isis-video-photo-adel-kermiche-jacques-hamel/.
Abdel-Malik PetitjeanAlastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661.
Abu OmarJamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/.

Date of Birth

November 14, 1996

Place of Birth

Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France

Place of Residence

N/A (deceased)

Citizenship

French

Education

Vocational school (completed)

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XpOyqh-COtK_Wx-TuqcQNwiHrH6wB1z_K_YqLw2vqAM/pubhtml

Extremist Image

Extremist Entity Association

Threat Link

Extremist Entity Name

ISIS

Extremist Entity Link

Leader

Adel Kermiche was one of two assailants to storm a church in the French town of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray on July 26, 2016, killing the priest, Jacques Hamel, and taking hostage the four others in attendance.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days. Kermiche, who was 19 years old, and his fellow assailant, Abdel Malik Petitjean, were killed by French police as they attempted to exit the church.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761. The ISIS-affiliated Amaq News Agency released a video the following day showing Kermiche and Petitjean swearing allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS’s leader.Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661. An investigation later uncovered communications on the encrypted messaging service Telegram between the two men and Rachid Kassim, a French-born ISIS recruiter operating out of Iraq and Syria.Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html.

Kermiche was born to a working-class Algerian familyMichel Rose, “French church attacker: from troubled childhood to altar killer,” Reuters, July 29, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-attacks-france-killer-idUSKCN1091U5. in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, the town in northern France where he would later carry out the attack.Lucy Clarke-Billings, “Adel Kermiche: What we know about the Normandy church attacker,” Newsweek, July 27, 2016, http://www.newsweek.com/adel-kermiche-what-we-know-about-normandy-church-attacker-484351. Neighbors remembered him as a friendly child who played with other children and liked video games and the Internet.Adam Fleming and Larissa Kennelly, “France church attack: Friends’ efforts to save ‘brainwashed’ Kermiche,” BBC News, July 27, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36907945. According to Kermiche’s legal file, he had shown “psychological troubles” and had been regularly hospitalized since the age of six,“French church killer Adel Kermiche: ‘A ticking time bomb,’” Irish Times (Dublin), July 27, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/french-church-killer-adel-kermiche-a-ticking-time-bomb-1.2735986. and was sent to a specialist school for behavioral problems at the age of thirteen.Michel Rose, “French church attacker: from troubled childhood to altar killer,” Reuters, July 29, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-attacks-france-killer-idUSKCN1091U5.

According to one schoolmate, Kermiche became increasingly radicalized after al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) launched its Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris in January 2015.French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761. Following that attack, Kermiche reportedly broke away from friendsAdam Fleming and Larissa Kennelly, “France church attack: Friends’ efforts to save ‘brainwashed’ Kermiche,” BBC News, July 27, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36907945. and began making contact with extremists on the Internet. French authorities first investigated Kermiche in March 2015 when a man named Adel Bouauon entered Syria carrying a French identity card in Kermiche’s name. Days later, Kermiche would make his own first attempt to travel to Syria.Kim Willsher, “Teenagers who killed French priest made film declaring allegiance to Isis,” Guardian (London), July 28, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/27/french-authorities-under-pressure-to-explain-release-of-priests-killer. Between January and May of 2015, Kermiche also reportedly engaged in sham marriages with several girls in Islamic ceremonies, only to repudiate them days afterwards.David Chazan, “Normandy church attack: Who are the suspects, Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik P?” Telegraph (London), July 27, 2016, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/27/normandy-church-attack-who-is-the-suspect-adel-kermiche/. One of the girls was later charged for her role in a September 2016 plot to bomb Notre Dame Cathedral.“France says three women arrested in failed attack near Notre Dame Cathedral were radicalized by Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, September 9, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-notre-dame-islamic-state-20160909-snap-story.html.

Kermiche made two attempts to travel to Syria.“Adel Kermiche: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy, July 26, 2016, http://heavy.com/news/2016/07/adel-kermiche-isis-french-priest-murdered-video-behead-islam-muslim-terrorist-trial-ankle-bracelet/. On the first, in March 2015, he was stopped by German police in Munich and accused of attempting to travel to Syria to join ISIS using his brother’s passport. Consequently, he was deported back to France and placed on parole awaiting trial.Lucy Clarke-Billings, “Adel Kermiche: What we know about the Normandy church attacker,” Newsweek, July 27, 2016, http://www.newsweek.com/adel-kermiche-what-we-know-about-normandy-church-attacker-484351;
Jessica McBride, “Adel Kermiche: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” Heavy, July 26, 2016, http://heavy.com/news/2016/07/adel-kermiche-isis-french-priest-murdered-video-behead-islam-muslim-terrorist-trial-ankle-bracelet/. He made a second attempt in May 2015, but was stopped in Turkey and again sent back to France, where he was detained for ten months until mid-March 2016, when a judge allowed his release under house arrest on the condition that he report to a probation officer weekly and wear an electronic ankle bracelet.“France church attack: Knifeman identified as 19yo Adel Kermiche who was stopped joining jihadists in Syria,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, July 26, 2016, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-27/french-church-attacker-was-stopped-joining-syrian-jihad-twice/7663644;
Alissa J. Rubin and Adam Nossiter, “French Ask Whether Priest’s Killer, Listed as a Threat, Could Have Been Stopped,” New York Times, July 27, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/28/world/europe/france-attack-priest-church-syria.html.

After his release from custody, Kermiche reportedly did not trigger suspicion, checking in with his probation officer weekly and completing all of his other requirements.Alissa J. Rubin and Adam Nossiter, “French Ask Whether Priest’s Killer, Listed as a Threat, Could Have Been Stopped,” New York Times, July 27, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/28/world/europe/france-attack-priest-church-syria.html. However, others claimed that he was vocal about his support for ISIS.Adam Fleming and Larissa Kennelly, “France church attack: Friends’ efforts to save ‘brainwashed’ Kermiche,” BBC News, July 27, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36907945. One acquaintance said that Kermiche frequently discussed Islam, and that two months prior to the attack, he stated that he was “going to attack a church.”“French church killer Adel Kermiche: ‘A ticking time bomb,’” Irish Times (Dublin), July 27, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/french-church-killer-adel-kermiche-a-ticking-time-bomb-1.2735986. At the time of the July 2016 attack, Kermiche was still awaiting trial for his 2015 terrorism charges.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761.

Kermiche and Petitjean met via the Internet only days before they carried out their joint attack. The two reportedly first made contact over Telegram on the night of July 21, 2016.“Saint-Etienne du Rouvray: les échanges glaçants des terroristes avant l’attaque,” L’Express (Paris), September 11, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html. It is suspected that the two were put into contact with one another by Kassim, who is believed to have orchestrated the attack remotely.Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html. Kermiche and Petitjean first met in person when Petitjean travelled 700 kilometers to Kermiche’s home in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray on July 22, the day after they first made contact online.Lara Marlowe, “Priest’s killers were Isis apprentices who met through app,” Irish Times (Dublin), August 2, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/priest-s-killers-were-isis-apprentices-who-met-through-app-1.2741769;
“Saint-Etienne du Rouvray: les échanges glaçants des terroristes avant l’attaque,” L’Express (Paris), September 11, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-les-echanges-glacants-des-terroristes-avant-l-attaque_1848943.html. The two decided on the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray in Kermiche’s hometown as a target.“Saint-Etienne du Rouvray: les échanges glaçants des terroristes avant l’attaque,” L’Express (Paris), September 11, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-les-echanges-glacants-des-terroristes-avant-l-attaque_1848943.html. Although Kermiche wore a tracking anklet, it was turned off for four hours each morning, allowing them a window of time in which to carry out the attack.French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
“French church killer Adel Kermiche: ‘A ticking time bomb,’” Irish Times (Dublin), July 27, 2016, http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/french-church-killer-adel-kermiche-a-ticking-time-bomb-1.2735986.

Petitjean and Kermiche launched their attack at the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray on July 26, 2016. At approximately 9:25 a.m. local time, the two stormed the church, where morning Mass was taking place. After entering the church and taking two parishioners and two nuns as hostages, a third nun was able to escape as the two assailants reportedly forced the 86-year-old priest present, Jacques Hamel, to his knees, slitting his throat.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days. While Hamel bled to death on the floor, Petitjean and Kermiche forced one of the hostages, Guy Coponet, to record the two assailants chanting what the victims described as an Arabic sermon before stabbing him in the hip and throat, leaving him seriously wounded.Jamie Schram and Yaron Steinbuch, “France was warned about terrorist who killed priest in church attack,” New York Post, July 28, 2016, http://nypost.com/2016/07/28/france-was-warned-about-terrorist-who-killed-priest-in-church-attack/;
“French survivor tells of Rouen priest’s jihadist murder,” BBC News, September 26, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37505350;
Euan McKirdy, “Second French church attacker identified,” CNN, July 28, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/28/europe/france-normandy-church-attack/index.html. The nun that escaped, known as Sister Danielle, managed to contact local police.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761.

According to prosecutor François Molins, the police attempted to negotiate with the terrorists via a side door, but were unable to enter the building due to the use of the remaining three hostages as human shields.Tim Hume, Eliott C. McLaughlin, and Margot Haddad, “Hollande: Deadly church attack in France carried out in name of ISIS,” CNN, July 27, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/26/europe/france-normandy-church-hostage/index.html;
“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761. The police unit involved in the rescue attempt was the Brigade de Recherce et d’Intervention (Research and Intervention Brigade or BRI), which specializes in hostage situations.“Adel Kermiche et Abdel Malik Petitjean, tueurs de l’église de Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray,” L’Express (Paris), http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/fait-divers/adel-kermiche-et-abdel-malik-petitjean-tueurs-de-l-eglise-de-saint-etienne-du-rouvray_1816387.html. At 10:45 a.m. local time, Petitjean and Kermiche attempted to leave the church, continuing to use the hostages as human shields for their exit.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days. One of the assailants reportedly carried a fake explosive device attached to a kitchen timer, and the other wore a fake explosive belt and one also reportedly had a gun.Tim Hume, Eliott C. McLaughlin, and Margot Haddad, “Hollande: Deadly church attack in France carried out in name of ISIS,” CNN, July 27, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/26/europe/france-normandy-church-hostage/index.html;
“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761. The two assailants charged forward, shouting “Allahu akhbar!” but they were shot dead by the police.“French church attack: What we know,” BBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36900761;
Kim Willsher, “France in shock again after Isis murder of priest in Normandy,” Guardian (London), July 26, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/france-shock-second-isis-attack-12-days.

The day after the attack, ISIS’s Amaq news agency released a video showing Petitjean and Kermiche swearing their allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.Alastair Jamieson and Nancy Ing, “France Church Attack: Abdel-Malik Petitjean Was Known Potential Radical,” NBC News, July 28, 2016, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/france-church-attack-abdel-malik-petitjean-was-known-potential-radical-n618661. While it remained unclear at the time whether Petitjean and Kermiche received any direct instructions or support from ISIS, an audio file was later released through Telegram in which the speaker, believed by authorities to be Kassim, praised Kermiche and Petitjean for their actions.“Did jihadist Rashid Kassim lure French youths to plot attacks?” BBC News, September 15, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37340697. An investigation later discovered that the three communicated over Telegram,Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html. and it is suspected that Kassim first brought the two into contact“Did jihadist Rashid Kassim lure French youths to plot attacks?” BBC News, September 15, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37340697. and directed them in carrying out the attack.Jérémie Pham-lé, “Rachid Kassim, le djihadiste qui a inspiré les assassins du père Hamel,” L’Express (Paris), August 18, 2016, http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html.

Types of operatives

Extremist Entity Name

ISIS

Position

Domestic terrorist

Date of Birth

March 25, 1997

Place of Birth

Mont-Saint-Aignan, France

Place of Residence

N/A (deceased)

Citizenship

French

Education

Specialist school

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QxpnK3ks54Sxv-ou6u6srwerZvtt1EqGd5lOjLTWfZI/pubhtml

Extremist Image

Extremist Entity Association

Threat Link

Extremist Entity Name

ISIS

Extremist Entity Link

Leader

Samer El Debek is a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Dearborn, Michigan, who allegedly plotted on behalf of Hezbollah against U.S., Israeli, and Panamanian targets in New York City and Panama. The U.S. Department of Justice did not identify where El Debek emigrated from, but he holds a Lebanese passport in addition to his U.S. passport.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. The FBI arrested El Debek on terrorism-related charges on June 1, 2017.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

The FBI alleges that El Debek belonged to Hezbollah’s Islamic Jihad Organization (IJO), responsible for Hezbollah’s intelligence and terrorist activities outside of Lebanon. According to the FBI, El Debek was looking for potential terrorist targets in Panama and New York City on behalf of the IJO.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

In July 2006, El Debek purportedly praised Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an e-mail he sent to his private account from his work account. The FBI alleges that the IJO recruited El Debek in late 2007 or early 2008.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. During interviews prior to his arrest, El Debek told the FBI that he suspected Hezbollah recruited him because of his U.S. passport, though he did not know specifically why he had been recruited.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. El Debek said that between 2008 and 2015, Hezbollah paid him more than $1,000 per month plus medical expenses.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

In 2008, El Debek traveled to Lebanon to attend Hezbollah training camps.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. Between 2008 and 2014, El Debek allegedly received religious and militant training that included surveillance and bomb-making techniques and how to use automatic assault rifles, according to the FBI.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. In May 2009, El Debek traveled to Thailand to remove evidence of a Hezbollah cell from a compromised safe house.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. El Debek traveled from Lebanon to Malaysia using his Lebanese passport and then to Thailand using his U.S. passport.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 13, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. According to El Debek’s account, he removed 50 boxes of ammonium nitrate from the house. “United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

In 2011, El Debek traveled to Panama to locate the U.S. and Israeli embassies, and identify hardware stores from which to purchase explosive materials such as acetone and battery acid. El Debek also told the FBI that he learned how to drive in Panama and took Spanish lessons.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 14, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. El Debek allegedly returned to Panama in early 2012 to identify weaknesses in the Panama Canal.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

Between December 2015 and April 2016, Hezbollah allegedly detained El Debek in Lebanon on suspicion that he was a spy for the United States.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. El Debek claimed during his FBI interviews that Hezbollah suspected him of being a spy before they sent him on his international missions. El Debek claimed he gave Hezbollah a false confession that he worked for the FBI, CIA, and police. El Debek further claimed that the U.S. government had paid him $500,000.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

The Justice Department did not reveal how El Debek escaped Hezbollah’s custody. Between September 8, 2016, and May 23, 2017, the FBI interviewed El Debek several times over the phone and in person.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 9, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. During his interviews, El Debek identified Mohamed Husseini, the Hezbollah bomber who blew up an Israeli tour bus in Bulgaria in 2012, as a distant relative.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. El Debek described his recruitment, training and missions to the FBI. He also told the FBI that unlike ISIS, Hezbollah doesn’t kill indiscriminately. He said that Hezbollah’s violent actions are sometimes meant to send a political message, but that Israelis are always a target.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

The FBI arrested El Debek in Livonia, Michigan, on June 1, 2017. Authorities brought him to New York City, where he was formally charged in federal court on June 5.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

El Debek has been charged with:

providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
receiving military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
conspiracy to receive military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
possessing, carrying, and using firearms and destructive devices during and in relation to crimes of violence
making and receiving a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah
conspiracy to make and receive a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

If convicted, El Debek faces up to life in prison.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. As of May 2020, he is still awaiting trial.“Hezbollah Member Convicted in US for Planning Attacks,” Al Arabiya, May 20, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2019/05/17/Hezbollah-member-convicted-in-US-for-planning-attacks.

Types of operatives

Foreign Fighters

Extremist Entity Name

Hezbollah

Position

Alleged attempted foreign fighter; alleged attempted domestic terrorist

Also Known As

Samer Eldebek“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.
Samar El Debek“According to the FBI, Debek was looking for potential targets in Panama and New York City,” Fox 2 WJBK, June 8, 2017, http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/259758501-story.

Date of Birth

1979 or 1980

Place of Birth

Lebanon (suspected)

Place of Residence

Michigan

Arrested

06/1/2017: Material support et al.

Custody

U.S.

Citizenship

U.S.

Current Location(s)

United States

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13ZM7IgGKS05s5AFfkDAXEfMrcX_JsTw3DUEVWKZT9LA/pubhtml

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Leader

Ali Kourani is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon convicted of plotting on behalf of Hezbollah against U.S. government and military targets in New York City. According to the FBI, Kourani received training in Lebanon from Hezbollah’s Islamic Jihad Organization (IJO), the group’s division responsible for overseas operations. The FBI arrested Kourani in Bronx, New York, on June 1, 2017.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. He was convicted in May 2019 and subsequently sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. Kourani was the first member of the IJO to be convicted and sentenced for crimes against the United States. “Hizballah Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Covert Terrorist Activities on Behalf of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 3, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/hizballah-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-covert-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s.

In 2000, Kourani allegedly attended a 45-day Hezbollah training camp in Lebanon when he was approximately 16 years old. He allegedly learned to use AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Kourani told the FBI that he was allowed to attend because he was related to a high-ranking Hezbollah official. Kourani also allegedly told the FBI that one of his brothers is “the face” of Hezbollah in the Lebanese village of Yatar, and that his family name is akin to the “Bin Ladens of Lebanon.” He traveled to the United States in 2003 using his Lebanese passport but returned to Lebanon soon after. Kourani fled to Syria during the summer 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel and then returned to the United States.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 10-11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

The IJO purportedly recruited Kourani in early 2008. Kourani told the FBI that he believes the IJO recruited him because of his education and U.S. residency in order to use him as a sleeper agent.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10-11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. According to the federal complaint against him, Kourani allegedly met with multiple members of the IJO in Lebanon during his interview process. Kourani was allegedly assigned a handler known alternatively as “Fadi” or “Hajj,” who instructed Kourani to obtain U.S. citizenship.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. After Kourani returned to the United States, he and Fadi would communicate over e-mail using coded messages, according to the criminal complaint against Kourani.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 15-16, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. The FBI noted that Kourani’s passport showed that he traveled to Lebanon at least once a year between 2008 and 2015.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Fadi purportedly worked with Kourani until September 2015.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Kourani returned to the United States later in January 2008.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. That August, he applied for U.S. citizenship, which he received the following April.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. Kourani wrote in his naturalization request that he had never belonged to or had any association with a terrorist organization or ever lied on immigration forms, which the U.S. Department of Justice would later use to charge him with naturalization fraud.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 13, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Within a week after receiving his citizenship, Kourani received a U.S. passport. That May, Kourani traveled to Guangzhou, China, where he allegedly visited a manufacturer of ammonium nitrate-based First Aid ice packs. The IJO has used these ice packs in terrorist operations, according to the FBI.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 13-14, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Kourani returned to Lebanon in July 2011 for weapons training at Hezbollah camps. According to information he gave the FBI, Kourani trained with rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, an MP5 submachine gun, a PKS machine gun, and a Glock pistol.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 17-18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Fadi allegedly ordered Kourani to survey potential government and military targets in New York City. These included FBI offices in Manhattan, a U.S. Army National Guard facility in Manhattan, a U.S. Secret Service facility in Brooklyn, and a U.S. Army Armory facility in Manhattan.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Fadi also allegedly directed Kourani to surveil New York airports and to cultivate contacts who could supply weaponry. Kourani also collected intelligence on former members of the Israel Defense Forces living in New York, according to the criminal complaint.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 19, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. The FBI alleges that Kourani used Google Maps to examine terminals at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and visited the websites of weapons retailers in search of body armor, uniforms, guns, and tactical equipment.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 20, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

The FBI further alleges that between January and May 2009 Kourani conducted several Internet searches on the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as Al-Manar, Hezbollah’s U.S.-sanctioned media arm. In January 2013, Kourani allegedly searched online for the phrase “if Hizballah was defeated,” which led him to an Al-Manar propaganda video featuring Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Kourani later searched the names of Hezbollah operatives who had carried out international acts of terrorism.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 14-15, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Fadi allegedly asked Kourani if he could obtain employment at the Department of Motor Vehicles, but Kourani believe that would draw suspicion because of his educational background.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 19, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. While allegedly working on behalf of Hezbollah, Kourani earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and a master’s of business administration.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. According to Kourani’s LinkedIn page, he received his engineering degree from City College of New York in 2009 and his MBA from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School in 2013.Ali Kourani LinkedIn page, accessed June 14, 2017, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-kourani-5b7820b/.

After finishing graduate school, Kourani worked at Metro PCS stores in Chicago, New York, and Greenbay, Wisconsin, according to his LinkedIn page. In March 2017, he took a position in New York City as an analyst with Integreon, an international legal and business research service.Ali Kourani LinkedIn page, accessed June 14, 2017, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-kourani-5b7820b/.

Kourani claims the IJO deactivated him in September 2015.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. According to the criminal complaint against him, Kourani met with the FBI several times in 2016 and 2017 for a series of interviews during which he identified himself as an undercover Hezbollah sleeper agent. Kourani allegedly agreed to the interviews in the hope of obtaining immigration benefits for his family, though the FBI denies such an arrangement.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 7, 11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Based on the information Kourani provided, the FBI arrested him in Bronx, New York, on June 1, 2017.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

Kourani has been charged with:

providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
receiving military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
conspiracy to receive military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
conspiracy to possess, carry, and use firearms and destructive devices during and in relation to crimes of violence
makingand receiving a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
conspiracy to makeand receive a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah, in violation of IEEPA
naturalization fraud in connection with an act of international terrorism.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

Kourani was convicted of all eight charges in Manhattan Federal Court on May 17, 2019.“Ali Kourani Convicted in Manhattan Federal Court for Covert Terrorist Activities on Behalf of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 17, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ali-kourani-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-covert-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s. On December 3, 2019, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.“Hizballah Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Covert Terrorist Activities on Behalf of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 3, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/hizballah-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-covert-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s. In April 2021, Kourani appealed his sentence on the basis that he did not realize he faced prosecution when the FBI interviewed him. According to Kourani’s attorney, the FBI never informed Kourani he faced prosecution and he believed he would receive immunity from prosecution.Nina Pullano, “Hezbollah Sleeper Agent Looks to Beat 40-Year Sentence,” Courthouse News Service, April 13, 2021, https://www.courthousenews.com/hezbollah-sleeper-agent-looks-to-beat-40-year-sentence/.

Types of operatives

Foreign Fighters

Extremist Entity Name

Hezbollah

Position

Alleged attempted foreign fighter; alleged attempted domestic terrorist

Also Known As

Ali Mohamad Kourani“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 1, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.
Daniel“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 1, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.
Jacob Lewis“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 1, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Date of Birth

1984

Place of Birth

Lebanon

Place of Residence

Bronx, New York

Arrested

6/1/17: material support et al.

Custody

U.S.

Citizenship

U.S., Lebanese

Education

Graduate School

Current Location(s)

United States

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10jjIjjQ651qyv6CBFBk5po8l-h4BooteqRh6u9LzuNw/pubhtml

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Abdul Rahman Yasin is a U.S. citizen and fugitive under indictment for manufacturing bombs used in the February 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and wounded over 1,000 others. He was indicted by a Manhattan Federal grand jury in August 1993.“Most Wanted: Abdul Rahman Yasin,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, Accessed May 1, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/abdul-rahman-yasin;
Josh Meyer and Eric Lichtblau, “FBI Let Suspected Terrorist Get Away,” Los Angeles Times, October 12, 2001, http://articles.latimes.com/2001/oct/12/news/mn-56401.

Yasin fled to Iraq shortly after the bombing and was arrested by Iraqi authorities in 1994.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/. In October 2001, he was sanctioned by the United Nations for his terrorist activities and association with known al-Qaeda operatives.“Narrative Summaries of Reasons for Listing,” United Nations, September 7, 2010, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/abdul-rahman-yasin. In Iraqi detention in May 2002, Yasin revealed in an interview with CBS that he had been interrogated and subsequently released by the FBI just days after the World Trade Center bombing.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/.

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1960, Yasin was raised in Iraq and returned to the United States in 1992 at the approximate age of 32. By his own account, Yasin came to live with his mother and brother in Jersey City, New Jersey, in order to work and receive treatment for his epilepsy.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/. World Trade Center bombing mastermind Ramzi Yousef and fellow perpetrator Mohammed Salameh lived in the apartment above his. The men became friends and Yasin aided Yousef by purchasing chemicals and equipment and also helping to assemble an explosive in a separate apartment they had rented in Jersey City.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/.

On February 26, 1993, Yasin and Yousef drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the basement garage of the World Trade Center’s north tower. The 1,500-pound bomb created a crater 200 feet by 100 feet, killing six people, injuring more than 1,000 others, and causing $500 million in damage.“Narrative Summaries of Reasons for Listing,” United Nations, September 7, 2010, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/abdul-rahman-yasin;
Robin Wright and John-Thor Dahlburg, “Legwork, Luck Closed Net Around Bombing Suspect: A mysterious informer’s tip capped an intense search for alleged mastermind of trade center blast,” Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1995, http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-12/news/mn-31228_1_trade-center-bombing/2. The FBI arrested Yasin at his Jersey City apartment a few days after the bombing. During interrogations, Yasin provided information on Yousef, Salameh, and their rudimentary explosives laboratory.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/. After his release Yasin flew to Iraq via Jordan.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/;
Robin Wright and John-Thor Dahlburg, “Legwork, Luck Closed Net Around Bombing Suspect: A mysterious informer’s tip capped an intense search for alleged mastermind of trade center blast,” Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1995, http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-12/news/mn-31228_1_trade-center-bombing/2.

According to the Iraqi intelligence agency Mukhabarat, Yasin was arrested in 1994 and held at a Mukhabarat facility— though he was not charged with a crime.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/. While in detention in 2002, Yasin gave an interview to CBS.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/. According to CBS, the government of then-President Saddam Hussain offered to turn Yasin over to the United States—though the exchange never transpired.Mike Sims, “Transcript: The Yasin Interview,” CBS News, June 2, 2002, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/transcript-the-yasin-interview/. Yasin disappeared from monitoring following the United States’ 2003 invasion of Iraq. His whereabouts are unknown.James Gordon Meek, “FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists 15 Years Later: The Ones Who Got Away,” ABC News, October 25, 2016, http://abcnews.go.com/International/fbis-wanted-terrorists-15-years/story?id=43028355.

Types of operatives

Extremist Entity Name

Unaffiliated

Al-Qaeda

Type[s] of Organization

N/A

Type[s] of Ideology

N/A

Position

Suspected bomb maker in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing

Suspected operative

Also Known As

Abdul Rahman Said Yasin“Most Wanted: Abdul Rahman Yasin,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, Accessed May 1, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/abdul-rahman-yasin.
Abdul Rahman S. Taha“Most Wanted: Abdul Rahman Yasin,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, Accessed May 1, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/abdul-rahman-yasin.
Abdul Rahman S. Taher“Most Wanted: Abdul Rahman Yasin,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, Accessed May 1, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/abdul-rahman-yasin.
Aboud Yasin“Most Wanted: Abdul Rahman Yasin,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, Accessed May 1, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/abdul-rahman-yasin.

Date of Birth

April 10, 1960

Place of Birth

Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.

Place of Residence

Not determined.

Citizenship

U.S.

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OFobbjEsDPlJtPjzIExjLpGNlsy8Ig6SA3Y1Z4KTpVg/pubhtml

United Nations

The United Nations added “Abdul Rahman Yasin” to its Al-Qaida Sanctions List.“Narrative Summaries of Reasons for Listing,” United Nations, September 7, 2010, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/abdul-rahman-yasin.

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Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was a Tunisian resident of France who, on Bastille Day 2016 (July 14), carried out a truck-ramming attack in Nice, France, killing 86 people and injuring more than 400 others. He was shot and killed by French police after ramming into and running over civilians for more than one mile along the Promenade des Anglais beachfront esplanade.James McAuley and Griff Witte, “Assailant in truck attack had record of petty violence and crime,” Washington Post, July 15, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/assailant-in-truck-attack-identified-in-french-media-as-a-31-year-old-french-tunisian/2016/07/15/c38b9812-6eed-4dff-be9b-da224cf1acb2_story.html?utm_term=.622b7d0acda5. Two days later, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack via its Amaq news agency, referring to Lahouaiej-Bouhlel as “one of the soldiers of Islamic State.”Sam Jones, Angelique Chrisafis, and Caroline Davies, “Nice truck attack: Islamic State claims responsibility,” Guardian (London), July 16, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/16/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-nice-truck-attack. In subsequent investigations, police discovered ISIS-related propaganda on Lahouaiej-Bouhlel’s personal computer.“Attack on Nice: Who was Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel?” BBC News, August 19, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36801763. Prior to the attack, however, Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was not known to French intelligence services as a person with ties to ISIS or as someone who posed a terrorist threat, according to French prosecutors.Euan McKirdy, “Nice attack: Ties to ISIS not yet established, official says,” CNN, July 21, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/18/europe/nice-france-attack/.

Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was born in M’saken, Tunisia, six miles from Sousse, where ISIS operatives launched an attack on June 26, 2015, killing 28 people. In 2005, Lahouaiej-Bouhlel moved to the coastal French city of Nice, working as a delivery man, but was soon fired after falling asleep while driving. In or around 2006, he married his French-Tunisian cousin and had three children with her.Vivienne Walt, “Was the Nice Attacker Really a Jihadist?” Time, July 16, 2016, http://time.com/4409306/france-nice-attack-terrorist/. Over the course of their decade-long marriage, his wife reported him to the police for several incidents of domestic abuse, including against his mother-in-law, and the couple separated.Emma-Kate Symons, “Nice attack: Wife of killer Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel faces ‘mob justice’,” New York Times, July 21, 2016, http://nytlive.nytimes.com/womenintheworld/2016/07/21/nice-attack-wife-of-killer-mohamed-lahouaiej-bouhlel-faces-mob-justice/. In January 2009, Lahouaeiej-Bouhlel received a 10-year French residency permit but soon became involved in a series of petty criminal incidents, including violence and theft.Steve Visser and Alanne Orjoux, “Who was Mohamed Lahouaeij Bouhlel?” CNN, July 17, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/15/europe/nice-france-terrorist-driver/;
Emma-Kate Symons, “Nice attack: Wife of killer Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel faces ‘mob justice,’” New York Times, July 21, 2016, http://nytlive.nytimes.com/womenintheworld/2016/07/21/nice-attack-wife-of-killer-mohamed-lahouaiej-bouhlel-faces-mob-justice/. In March 2016, Lahouaeiej-Bouhlel was charged with assault with a weapon for an incident that occurred in January.James McAuley and Griff Witte, “Assailant in truck attack had record of petty violence and crime,” Washington Post, July 15, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/assailant-in-truck-attack-identified-in-french-media-as-a-31-year-old-french-tunisian/2016/07/15/c38b9812-6eed-4dff-be9b-da224cf1acb2_story.html?utm_term=.622b7d0acda5. He was given a six-month sentence, which was suspended. He and his wife were in the middle of divorce proceedings when Lahouaeiej-Bouhlel carried out the attack.Steve Visser and Alanne Orjoux, “Who was Mohamed Lahouaeij Bouhlel?” CNN, July 17, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/15/europe/nice-france-terrorist-driver/.

For most of his life, Lahouaiej-Bouhlel led a secular existence devoid of religious influences or restrictions. He reportedly used drugs recreationally, drank alcohol, engaged in gay sex, ignored Muslim dietary restrictions, and did not pray.Vivienne Walt, “Was the Nice Attacker Really a Jihadist?” Time, July 16, 2016, http://time.com/4409306/france-nice-attack-terrorist/. Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was also interested in martial arts, weightlifting, violent online content, and salsa dancing.“Attack on Nice: Who was Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel?” BBC News, August 19, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36801763.

Lahouaiej-Bouhlel is believed to have self-radicalized over the Internet directly before the Nice attack. In the two weeks leading up to the attack, he searched nearly daily for verses from the Quran, nasheeds (jihadist propaganda chants), and details about jihadist incidents around the world, including in Orlando, Florida, Dallas, Texas, and Magnanville, France.“Attack on Nice: Who was Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel?” BBC News, August 19, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36801763. Police investigators later found photos of dead bodies and ISIS-linked propaganda images, including the ISIS flag, as well as photos of Osama bin-Laden and Mokhtar Belmokhtar, on his personal computer.“Attack on Nice: Who was Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel?” BBC News, August 19, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36801763.

In preparation for the Nice attack, on July 4, Lahouaiej-Bouhlel arranged to rent a Renault Midlum 19-ton refrigeration truck and collected it one week later from a vehicle rental company in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, west of Nice.“Attack on Nice: Who was Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel?” BBC News, August 19, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36801763. On July 7, Lahouaiej-Bouhlel stopped shaving and told his friends that he was growing out his facial hair for religious reasons. He also showed his friends an ISIS beheading video on his cellphone and said he was not shocked by the content because he was “used to it.”“Attack on Nice: Who was Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel?” BBC News, August 19, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36801763. On July 12 and July 13, the two days before the attack, he reconnoitered the Promenade des Anglais area in the truck that he then used to massacre 86 people, including 10 children.“Attack on Nice: Who was Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel?” BBC News, August 19, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36801763.

On July 17, 2016, al-Qaeda’s Inspire published a special release on the attack. Without mentioning ISIS, al-Qaeda lauded the attack as an “Inghimaasi (plunging deep into enemy lines) operation,” and described Lahouaiej-Bouhlel as a “[hero] of Lone Jihad.” With regard to the specific target—the Promenade des Anglais—al-Qaeda wrote that “this was not randomly selected. He chose a place where there were huge crowds of people existed [sic].”“Inspire Guide: Nice Operation,” Al-Malahem Media, July 17, 2016, https://azelin.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/al-qacc84_idah-in-the-arabian-peninsula-e2809cinspire-guide-2-nice-operatione2809d.pdf.

On September 5, 2022, seven men and one woman stood trial at a Paris court in connection to the 2016 Nice truck rampage.Noemie Bisserbe, “Trial Opens in France for 2016 Bastille Day Terrorist Attack in Nice,” Wall Street Journal, September 6, 2022, https://www.wsj.com/articles/trial-opens-in-france-for-bastille-day-terror-attack-in-nice-11662386096. The defendants—who reportedly helped Louhaiej-Bouhlel get weapons, rent the truck used in the attack, or scout the attack location—face between five years in jail to a life sentence. However, none of the defendants are accused of carrying out the attack. The trial verdict is expected in December.Juliette Jabkhiro and Antony Paone, “Eight go on trial over 2016 Bastille Day truck attack in Nice,” Reuters, September 5, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eight-go-trial-over-2016-bastille-day-truck-attack-nice-2022-09-05/.

Types of operatives

Extremist Entity Name

ISIS

Position

Perpetrator of the ISIS-claimed July 2016 truck-ramming attack in Nice, France

Date of Birth

January 3, 1985

Place of Birth

Tunisia

Place of Residence

N/A (deceased)

Citizenship

Tunisian, French permanent residency

Education

Not determined.

History Timeline

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a9mIDrY45CKyDvMlifAJflS1w1-fmLnY8ODo60AqWHI/pubhtml

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Type of extremist

Terrorist

Citizenship

French (legal resident)

Description

Carried out the truck attack in Nice, France, on Bastille Day 2016 that killed 86 and injured more than 400.

Propaganda type(s)

Video

Propaganda details

Showed friends an ISIS beheading video on his cell phone.

Platform used to access propaganda

Not determined

Accessed violent propaganda?

Yes

Accessed propaganda providing instructions on how to prepare or execute violent acts?

Not determined

Disseminated?

Not determined

Viewed/Discussed with others?

Yes

Sources

BBC News, Independent, Al Jazeera, Huffington Post

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