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.

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

  • Planning for Your Perimeter

    Planning for Your Perimeter

    The perimeter is an organization’s first line of defense and a critical element of any security and surveillance program. Even if a building’s interior or exterior security is strong, without a solid perimeter surveillance approach any company or business is vulnerable. Read Now

  • The Key Issue

    The Key Issue

    It is February 2014. A woman is getting ready in her room on a cruise ship when she hears a knock on the door; it is a crewmember delivering breakfast. She is not presentable so she tells him to leave it by the door. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Camden Door Controls ‘SER” Surface Boxes and Extension Rings

    Camden Door Controls ‘SER” Surface Boxes and Extension Rings

    Camden Door Controls has introduced new ‘SER” surface boxes and extension rings that provide a complete solution for new construction. In addition, they provide a simple and robust solution when replacing round wired and manual push plate switches with either Camden’s wired or wireless SureWave™ no-touch switches or Kinetic™ no-battery wireless switches. 3

  • Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    New DKU screw type terminal blocks use a spring-guided system where the screws are integrated and captive within the terminal enclosure. These screws can be backed out so that ring- or U-shaped cable lugs can be inserted, without the possibility of losing the screw. 3