A major victory for religious liberty and national security has been secured. Zimnako Salah, a Phoenix man inspired by radical Islamist propaganda, has been convicted for orchestrating a coordinated anti-Christian hate crime campaign across multiple states. The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pamela Bondi, is making it clear: terrorism against people of faith will not be tolerated in the United States.
Failed Bomb Plot Foiled by Church Security
Salah, 45, targeted four Christian churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado between September and November of 2023. Two of those attacks were successfully carried out using hoax explosive devices concealed in backpacks — causing panic and evacuations among Sunday worshippers.
But his plans at two other locations were disrupted thanks to church security teams who identified suspicious behavior and intervened before Salah could act. These rapid responses underscore the importance of heightened awareness and security protocols at houses of worship.
Authorities later found bomb-making components in a storage unit linked to Salah, suggesting he intended to transition from fake bombs to real explosive devices.
Clear Evidence of Anti-Christian Motive
Federal investigators revealed that Salah had consumed radical Islamist content and conducted online searches for violent material targeting Christians. This digital trail, combined with his pattern of church targeting, solidified the case for religiously motivated domestic terrorism.
We welcome the conviction, including the federal hate crime charge, for Zimnako Salah. All individuals should be able to worship freely, without fear or intimidation. This case is an important reminder to report suspicious activity. https://t.co/9eWZeSW0C4 via @CBSNewsColorado
— ADL Mountain States (@ADLMtnStates) April 7, 2025
His actions were not random — they were methodical, calculated, and aimed at inciting fear in Christian communities.
DOJ: No Tolerance for Religious Terrorism
Attorney General Pamela Bondi delivered a powerful statement after the verdict: “This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith. The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.”
#ALERT Law enforcement authorities have identified Zimnako Salah Salah, 44, a Middle-Eastern man, as a person of interest who walked into a church near S. Dayton St. and E. Belleview Ave. on Sunday, November 19 around 10:30 a.m. wearing a backpack. He was greeted by a uniformed… pic.twitter.com/e4E1pxZso7
— Arapahoe Sheriff (@ArapahoeSO) November 22, 2023
Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith added, “Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank for this defendant.” FBI Special Agent Sid Patel also noted that Salah’s actions were “deliberate” and meant “to terrorize people of faith.”
Salah now faces up to six years in federal prison and a potential $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18 before U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins.
This case sends a loud message: America will defend the right to worship freely — and those who target Christians or any faith group will face the full force of justice.