Bomb Hoax Mastermind Targeting Churches Brought To Justice
A federal jury has convicted a Phoenix man for orchestrating a series of hoax bomb threats targeting multiple churches across three states in an attempt to disrupt religious services. Zimnako Salah, 45, was found guilty of placing a backpack in a church restroom in California as part of a fabricated bomb scare. His actions were aimed at instilling fear and interrupting congregations during worship.
According to federal authorities, Salah visited churches in California, Arizona, and Colorado, carrying a black backpack. He successfully left the hoax devices at two churches but was stopped by security personnel at the other two locations. A U.S. Department of Justice statement revealed that Salah had also been attempting to construct a functional explosive device designed to fit inside a backpack.
Salah is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. He could face up to six years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith emphasized the serious nature of Salah’s actions, stating they were not mere pranks but deliberate attempts to intimidate individuals based on their religious beliefs. She praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for securing a verdict that helps protect communities and uphold religious freedom.
The incidents for which Salah was indicted include leaving a backpack in a Roseville, California church that led to an evacuation, and attempting similar actions at churches in Arizona, Colorado, and near San Diego. Court records and local media reports suggest Salah had a history of mental health struggles and anti-American sentiments. He was also linked to a storage unit containing antisemitic messages written in Kurdish and references to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
A broader trend of increasing hostility toward places of worship was highlighted in a 2023 report by the Family Research Council, which documented over 430 attacks on churches during the year. These included vandalism, arson, gun-related incidents, and bomb threats, underscoring growing concerns about threats to religious freedom and safety in the United States.