US court sentences Canadian to 40 Years in prison for plotting NYC terrorist attack

Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 20, of Missausagua, Canada, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, and a lifetime of supervised release, for plotting to carry out terrorist attacks in New York City during the summer of 2016 in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

El Bahnasawy pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2016, to a seven-count Superseding Information charging El Bahnasawy with terrorism offenses, the Justice Department’s press service reports.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman for the Southern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge William F Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s New York field office, Assistant Director in Charge Paul D. Delacourt of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, and Commissioner James P. O’Neill of the NYPD made the announcement.  The sentence was issued by US District Judge Richard M. Berman.

“El Bahnasawy conspired with others to conduct terrorist attacks in New York City in support of ISIS, and came into this country to carry them out. Today’s sentence reflects the severity of his conduct and holds him accountable for his terrorist activities,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.  “I want to commend the prosecutors, agents, and analysts who are responsible for this successful result.  The National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who seek to harm to our country and our citizens.”

“In the name of ISIS, Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy planned an elaborate attack to wreak havoc and destruction on New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Berman.  “He planned to detonate bombs in Times Square and the New York City subway system, and to shoot civilians at concert venues.  Demonstrating his commitment to carry out the attacks, El Bahnasawy pinpointed bomb locations on a map of the subway system, and acquired an array of bomb-making materials.  El Bahnasawy aspired, in his words, to ‘create the next 9/11.’  Thanks to our law enforcement partners in New York, nationally, and internationally, this potentially devastating plot was thwarted.”