Ahmad Khan Rahimi Indicted in NYC Bombings

On September 17, 2016, Ahmad Khan Rahimi, a/k/a “Ahmad Rahami,” unleashed terror in the heart of Manhattan and New Jersey, planting multiple improvised explosive devices in crowded urban areas. One bomb exploded in Chelsea, shattering windows 400 feet away and hurling a 100-pound dumpster over 120 feet, maiming more than 30 people. The blast tore through a 650-foot crime scene, embedding shrapnel in victims’ flesh and bone, leaving a trail of lacerations, head trauma, and shattered lives.

Rahimi placed the primary device near 135 West 23rd Street — the 23rd Street Bomb — packed inside a pressure cooker and hidden in a dumpster. The high-explosive charge detonated at approximately 8:30 p.m., causing millions in property damage. Just blocks away, another bomb — the 27th Street Bomb — failed to ignite. Found by law enforcement shortly after the explosion, it contained a pressure cooker wired to a cell phone, likely serving as a timer, and was loaded with ball bearings and steel nuts to maximize carnage.

Earlier that day, at 9:35 a.m., a third device planted by Rahimi exploded in Seaside Park, New Jersey, along the route of the Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K. The race had been delayed due to unrelated law enforcement activity, likely preventing mass casualties. Then, on September 18, a backpack containing additional explosives was discovered at the entrance to the New Jersey Transit station in Elizabeth. One device detonated during a robotic disarm attempt, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by Rahimi’s crude but deadly arsenal.

On September 19, Rahimi was apprehended in Linden, New Jersey, after a violent standoff. He opened fire on police, striking multiple officers before being subdued. The arrest ended a frenzied manhunt and stopped further attacks. Federal prosecutors credit swift, coordinated investigative work with identifying and capturing Rahimi before he could execute additional planned bombings.

The Southern District of New York unsealed an eight-count federal indictment charging Ahmad Khan Rahimi with terrorism-related offenses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman, who will preside over the arraignment scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. The charges stem from Rahimi’s alleged role in executing and attempting bombings across two states within a 36-hour period.

“Two months ago, Ahmad Khan Rahimi allegedly planted bombs in the heart of Manhattan and in New Jersey,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. “Now indicted by a grand jury, Rahimi will face justice in a federal court for his alleged violent acts of terrorism.” Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord added, “Pursuing those who seek to conduct attacks on our homeland will always remain the highest priority of the National Security Division.”​