Accused Terror Leader Smiled in Court as Charges Read in NYC Synagogue Bomb Plot

A 32-year-old man described by investigators as a “worldwide terror leader” is behind bars in New York City, accused of plotting to bomb a Manhattan synagogue.

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi appeared in Lower Manhattan federal court, where he smiled as a judge read six counts against him, including conspiracy to provide material support for acts of terrorism.

According to the criminal complaint, Al-Saadi told an undercover officer he would pay $10,000 to target the New York City synagogue, as well as additional synagogues in Los Angeles and Scottsdale.

As the Sabbath began Friday night, a police official told congregants at Temple Emanuel-El that it was not the targeted synagogue. The official said the department had been in touch with leadership at the prominent synagogue that was.

“He chose that synagogue because it was, quote, a beacon for solidarity and support to Israel,” the official said.

The official also stated that the defendant sent a map and a photograph to an alleged accomplice, and that the discussions involved arson, improvised explosive devices, and payments in cryptocurrency.

A city official condemned the plot, saying in part: “Let me be clear – antisemitism, violent extremism and terrorism have no place in our city. It’s prejudice and hate and everybody has to speak out against it.”

Federal authorities say Snapchat images show Al-Saadi with Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, killed in a U.S. military strike in 2020.

The defendant’s attorney argued that his extradition from Turkey amounts to punishment for that alleged relationship. “He’s essentially being subjected to a political prosecution,” the attorney said.

A Brooklyn-based Jewish community leader said the attack reinforces her commitment to an initiative called Shabbat 250.

“I think that bringing people to observe Shabbat in whatever way, even if it’s a small way, that will bring merit and protect us ultimately from nefarious people,” she said.