Virginia Man Charged for Planning Attack on Israeli Consulate in New York City

An Egyptian national residing in Virginia has been arrested and charged for allegedly plotting an attack on the Israeli consulate in New York City.

The Arrest of Abdullah Azz al-Din Taha Muhammad Hassan

Abdullah Azz al-Din Taha Muhammad Hassan, an Egyptian man living in Virginia, was apprehended recently and is now facing charges for his alleged involvement in a

conspiracy to attack the Israeli consulate in New York City. The FBI disclosed this information following his arrest, revealing that Hassan had purportedly provided:

• Instructions and plans for bomb-making
• Strategies for executing an assault on the Manhattan consulate to an undercover FBI source

Hassan is being charged with the distribution of information related to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction in connection with the commission of a federal crime.

Concerns and Statements from Authorities

The FBI's New York Office has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community in New York. They reassured the community that they, along with law enforcement partners, are vigilant in identifying, investigating, and thwarting potential threats. The FBI emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement and stressed their dedication to maintaining the community as a safe place for all.

How the FBI Became Aware of the Plot

The FBI became aware of Hassan's activities after Fairfax County Police Department notified federal authorities about a tipster who reported his social media posts on X. The tipster described Hassan's account as engaging in "radical and terrorist-leaning behavior." His posts included praise for the Islamic State terror group and other radical figures, which prompted further investigation.

Planning the Attack

In August, Hassan allegedly began communicating with an FBI confidential source whom he believed he had recruited to carry out a "mass casualty attack." Over several weeks, he directed the informant on:

• How to construct a bomb
• Acquire weapons
• Create a "martyrdom video"

By November, he reportedly identified the Consulate General of Israel as the target for the attack. Hassan believed New York would be "a gold mine of targets" for an assault and suggested methods such as using small arms or detonating an explosive vest.

International Response and Gratitude

Jonathan Harounoff, an international spokesperson for Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, stated that the Jewish state "will not cower to terror." He emphasized their commitment to not being silent in the face of hate and violence, and their unwavering pursuit of justice and peace. Additionally, he highlighted the fight to return all 100 hostages still held in Hamas terror tunnels in Gaza.

Israel's consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, expressed gratitude to the authorities for preventing the alleged attack. He underscored that the attempted attack by terror organizations poses a threat to the sovereign soil of the State of Israel, emphasizing the need to combat terror on all fronts.

The apprehension of Abdullah Azz al-Din Taha Muhammad Hassan represents a significant breakthrough in thwarting a potentially devastating attack on a diplomatic facility. The concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies in identifying, investigating, and disrupting the alleged plot highlight the importance of vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of communities.

The international response to the prevented attack reflects a united front against terrorism, with expressions of solidarity and determination to combat such threats. The prevention of the attack underscores the crucial role of intelligence sharing and collaborative efforts in safeguarding global security.