Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Two Arrested In Alleged Manhattan Synagogue Terror Plot
By
Ben Yakas
Published May 12, 2011
Modified May 12, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published May 12, 2011
Modified May 12, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Authorities announced that they had arrested two men in connection with a terrorist plot to attack a Manhattan synagogue. The two men, whom the NY Post identifies as Moroccan Mohammad Mamdouh and Algerian Ahmed Serhani, are said to be "homegrown" terrorists born in Queens. According to the NY Times, the two men had sought to purchase hand grenades and guns for the attack, but authorities say their plan was still in the "aspirational" stages.
The Daily News says that the two men were caught on wiretaps discussing the plot, and that the plot had been hatched several months before Osama bin Laden's death. However, no specific synagogue had been targeted yet, indicating the plot was still in its early planning stages. One source told AP that Serhani was a drug dealer, and that the men planned to use the profits from that to pay for their weapons.
Serhani and Mamdouh have been charged under New York State terrorism law—unusually, the Joint Terrorism Task Force had declined to prosecute the case, because they say the plan was more aspirational than operational. The Manhattan district attorney's office is expected to hold a press conference later today with more details of the arrests.
Four men were found guilty last year of a 2009 plot to blow up synagogues in Riverdale, as well as shoot down military planes in Newburgh.
Tagged
attack
manhattan
police
queens
synagogue
terror
terrorists
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
Residents say several people living there are members of vulnerable populations.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 1:38 p.m. ET
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
In theory, New York's gubernatorial candidates can accept donations of up to $9,000. In practice, it’s way higher.
By
Jon Campbell
News
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
In theory, New York's gubernatorial candidates can accept donations of up to $9,000. In practice, it’s way higher.
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
NYC’s autumn foliage will be a fall feast this year
By
Rosemary Misdary
NY officials worry migrants will skip healthcare amid fed policy change
By
Caroline Lewis
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .