An Arizona man was convicted Thursday by a federal jury for planting a hoax bomb at a Christian church in Roseville, California, as part of a broader plot targeting places of worship in multiple states.
Zimnako Salah, 45, of Phoenix, was found guilty after an 11-day trial of attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religion and conveying a false bomb threat. Jurors also determined that Salah’s actions were motivated by religious bias, classifying the incident as a hate crime.
According to evidence presented at trial, between September and November 2023, Salah traveled to churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado wearing black backpacks. At two locations, he successfully planted the backpacks, creating fear among congregants that they contained explosives. At two other churches, security intervened before he could act.
Investigators later found that Salah had been constructing a working explosive device. A search of his storage unit revealed parts consistent with an improvised explosive device (IED), according to an FBI bomb expert who testified in court.
Authorities also reviewed Salah’s online activity, which showed a history of consuming extremist propaganda. He had reportedly searched for videos of “infidels dying” and viewed ISIS execution videos.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating that the Department of Justice does not tolerate violence against Americans because of their faith. She said Salah would face significant consequences for committing what she called an “abhorrent hate crime.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith said the hoax bomb incident in Roseville was not a one-time event but part of a calculated effort to intimidate Christians. She praised the coordinated work of federal and local law enforcement, adding that communities are now safer as a result of the verdict.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel echoed those sentiments, saying Salah deliberately targeted multiple churches and aimed to create widespread fear. Patel said the FBI remains committed to protecting people of all faiths from acts of violence and intimidation.
Salah is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. He faces a maximum of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
