Prominent N.Y. synagogue targeted in alleged terror plot, prosecutors say

An Iraqi national allegedly plotted to carry out terror attacks in the U.S., including at a Jewish institution in New York, federal prosecutors said Friday. 

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi faces a host of charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to Iranian-back terrorist organizations, including Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Kata'ib Hizballah, according to prosecutors. 

Al-Saadi, 32, appeared in court in Lower Manhattan and is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He smiled while he made his appearance in court.

"The attack never occurred because the defendant was, in fact, plotting with an undercover law enforcement officer, and thanks to the extraordinary work of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, the men and women of the New York City Police Department, and the prosecutors at the Southern District of New York, the threat was identified, monitored and controlled from the outset," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in remarks at Temple Emanu-El on Manhattan's Upper East Side, which was not the synagogue that was targeted. 

Tisch would not identify the synagogue that was targeted in the alleged plot, but said the NYPD was working to ensure its safety. 

"He chose that synagogue because it was quote, 'a beacon for solidarity and support to Israel,'" Tisch said. 

"We provide him with a Jewish temple"

Court documents include pictures of Al-Saadi meeting with Qasem Soleimani, the slain leader of the IRGC. 

Al-Saadi is a commander for Kata'ib Hizbollah, according to prosecutors. They allege he "has been involved in the planning, execution and promotion" of approximately 18 reported terror attacks in Europe and two in Canada against U.S. and Israeli interests since March 9 in retaliation against the U.S. and Israel's military actions in Iran. He allegedly posted propaganda videos about those terror attacks on social media. 

British intelligence has been investigating the group tied to Al-Saadi and was aware of its design to expand attacks to U.S. soil, sources said.

Al-Saadi allegedly attempted to recruit an undercover agent to participate in the attack, showing the agent photos and maps of the target, a prominent synagogue. Prosecutors did not specify which one. 

Prosecutors allege that on April 1, Al-Saadi was recorded on a phone call asking how much it would cost to hire someone "to carry out a bombing operation" in the U.S. 

"I mean, we provide him with a Jewish temple, a Jewish center," Al-Saadi allegedly said. 

Cryptocurrency in exchange for the attack

Al-Saadi was put in contact with an undercover agent, court papers show. He allegedly provided the undercover agent a photo and a map of the specific synagogue to attack. He also allegedly provided similar photos and maps of prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, asking if it was possible to "set the three locations on fire at the same time."   

The undercover and Al-Saadi allegedly agreed on a price of $10,000 in cryptocurrency to carry out the attack, and Al-Saadi allegedly sent the undercover $3,000 in cryptocurrency as a down payment, along with a demand that the attack be carried out on April 6. 

He was subsequently arrested in Turkey and turned over to the FBI, who brought him to the U.S. on Thursday. 

Al-Saadi's attorney says he's being prosecuted for his alleged relationship with Soleimani. 

"He's essentially being subjected to a political prosecution in that he's a prisoner of war and should be treated as such," attorney Andrew Dalack said. 

"Global threats posed by the Iranian regime"  

"These charges show American law enforcement will never let such evil go unchecked, and will use all tools to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. 

"This case puts into stark relief the global threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies like Kata'ib Hizballah—foreign terrorist organizations that have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities across Europe and the United States since the war began," Tisch said. "Working with our law enforcement partners, we disrupted a plan to attack a Manhattan synagogue, and in partnership with the synagogue's leadership, ensured its security when the threat was elevated."  

"I am relieved that everyone is safe. The unsealing of the terrorism-related charges comes amid an alarming rise in antisemitism across the country. Let me be clear: antisemitism, violent extremism, and terrorism have no place in our city. This kind of hate is despicable. I'm thankful this alleged attack was stopped before any New Yorkers were hurt," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted on social media.

"Grateful to law enforcement for disrupting this horrifying plot targeting Jewish New Yorkers. We are continuing to work closely with our partners across law enforcement to protect New Yorkers and maintain increased security during this heightened threat environment," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote on social media. 

 "As alleged, for years, Al-Saadi committed himself to furthering the terrorist goals of Kata'ib Hizballah and the IRGC, two terrorist organizations dedicated to harming the United States and its allies. More recently, Al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City," U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said. "Al-Saadi attempted to disrupt American society through intimidation and violence. In a righteous and just contrast, his prosecution will highlight the best of our country. Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice."