FBI Arrests Man Who Plotted to Detonate Bomb on Election Day

FBI Arrests Man Who Plotted to Detonate Bomb on Election Day

"Had he been successful, Rosenfeld’s alleged plot could have claimed the lives of innocent bystanders and caused untold destruction," FBI Assistant Director in Charge William Sweeney said.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Oct 12, 2018

A New York man who’d plotted to blow himself up in Washington, D.C. on Election Day has been arrested by the FBI and charged in federal court with unlawful manufacture of a destruction device and interstate transportation and receipt of an explosive.

According to the court papers, the man allegedly sent letters and text messages to a Pennsylvania resident detailing his plan to detonate his explosive device on the National Mall on Election Day. The Pennsylvania resident alerted the FBI, and the suspect was pulled over and arrested on Tuesday.

The man told federal agents he’d ordered large quantities of “black powder” online for the construction of a planned 200-pound explosive device in a plywood box in his basement. FBI technicians removed the bomb from his basement on Wednesday and moved it to a safe location.

He intended to be killed in the blast, but officials say he had no plans to hurt anyone else. He allegedly wanted to blow himself up on or around Election Day because he was unhappy with the country’s direction. Authorities believe he is a lone actor unaffiliated with any terror group or ideology.

"Had he been successful, Rosenfeld’s alleged plot could have claimed the lives of innocent bystanders and caused untold destruction," FBI Assistant Director in Charge William Sweeney said.

If convicted, the suspect faces up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities said there is no danger to the public.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities