Phoenix Man Convicted of Church Bomb Hoaxes

Zimnako Salah, a 45-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona, was convicted by a federal jury for orchestrating a series of hoax bomb threats targeting Christian churches across Arizona, California, and Colorado. The U.S. Department of Justice classified these acts as hate crimes, as Salah specifically targeted these churches due to their religious beliefs. From September to November 2023, Salah planted fake bombs in two churches and attempted to do the same in two others where he was confronted by security. During the investigation, FBI agents discovered that Salah was constructing a real bomb in his storage unit, intending to fit it into a backpack. His online activity revealed engagement with extremist propaganda, including ISIS-related content. Salah is facing a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for July 18, 2025.