A 46-year-old man from Phoenix, Arizona, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for a violent hate crime plot targeting Christian churches across three U.S. states.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the convicted man, Zimnako Salah, orchestrated a series of fake bomb threats and was in the process of constructing a real explosive device before his arrest.
The Crime and Conviction
According to prosecutors, Salah was found guilty by a Sacramento jury in March 2025. His charges stemmed from placing a backpack resembling a bomb inside a Christian church to intimidate worshippers and prevent them from practicing their faith freely.
The jury’s verdict identified Salah’s actions as a hate crime, concluding that his motives were rooted in religious hostility toward Christians.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division remarked,
“Today’s sentencing sends a powerful message — anyone who targets individuals because of their faith will face the full force of federal law.”
Extent of Salah’s Actions
Evidence presented during trial revealed that between September and November 2023, Salah transported black backpacks to at least four Christian churches across Arizona, California, and Colorado.
Out of these, he successfully placed backpacks at two churches, while security officials intercepted him at the other two locations. The DOJ further stated that Salah’s actions were part of a broader plot involving a functional explosive designed to fit inside a backpack.
Discovery of Bomb-Making Materials
The FBI discovered a cache of bomb-making components in Salah’s storage unit, including materials used in the construction of an improvised explosive device (IED).
An FBI bomb technician testified that these materials were suitable for creating a deadly explosive.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant emphasized the potential devastation of Salah’s plan:
“Had Salah succeeded, many innocent lives could have been lost. Thanks to the alertness of church security, local law enforcement, and the FBI, a tragedy was averted.”
Online Radicalization and Propaganda
A detailed investigation into Salah’s social media activity exposed his engagement with extremist propaganda and violent online content. Prosecutors revealed that he had viewed and downloaded videos of ISIS terrorists, and frequently searched for clips depicting ‘infidels dying.’
The DOJ even found a video recording in which Salah declared, “America, we are going to destroy it.” These findings reinforced prosecutors’ arguments that Salah’s motivation was ideologically driven terrorism with a religious bias.
FBI’s Response and Statement
The FBI’s Sacramento Division commended the joint efforts of law enforcement and community members who helped prevent a large-scale tragedy.
Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel stated:
“The FBI has zero tolerance for anyone targeting Americans because of their religious beliefs. Salah intended to spread fear and disrupt Christian communities across three states.
His arrest and conviction demonstrate the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and vigilant citizens.”
Summary of Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Offender | Zimnako Salah |
| Age | 46 |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Sentence | 6 Years in Federal Prison |
| Convicted By | Sacramento Jury (March 2025) |
| Nature of Crime | Hate Crime, Bomb Threat, Religious Obstruction |
| Targeted Locations | Churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado |
| Timeline of Crimes | September–November 2023 |
| Evidence Found | IED Components, Extremist Media, Violent Declarations |
The sentencing of Zimnako Salah underscores the U.S. government’s strong stance against religiously motivated hate crimes. His conviction serves as a reminder of the vital role of law enforcement, community vigilance, and interagency cooperation in preventing acts of terrorism and violence motivated by hate.
The Justice Department reaffirmed that religious freedom remains a fundamental right, and any attempts to threaten it will be met with decisive legal action.
