A federal jury has found Zimnako Salah, a 45-year-old resident of Phoenix, Arizona, guilty of multiple charges, including conveying a hoax bomb threat and obstructing the exercise of religion. The decision came after an 11-day trial culminated in Salah's conviction for his actions against a Christian church in Roseville, California. The jury determined that Salah targeted the church specifically due to the religious identity of its congregants, classifying it as a hate crime.
Evidence from the trial revealed that from September to November 2023, Salah traveled to Christian churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado while carrying black backpacks. At two churches, he left these backpacks, instilling fear among congregants of a potential bomb threat. At the other locations, he was thwarted by security personnel before he could execute his plan.
During investigations, FBI agents discovered that Salah had been constructing a bomb capable of fitting inside a backpack. Items seized from his storage unit were identified by an FBI Bomb Expert as components of an improvised explosive device.
Further examination of Salah's social media activity showed engagement with extremist content, including searches for videos of "Infidels dying" and viewings of violent acts committed by ISIS.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "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."
Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith remarked, "Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank for this defendant. His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement and the attorneys from my office and our DOJ partners in Washington D.C., our communities are safer with yesterday’s verdict. People of all religions should be able to worship freely and exercise their First Amendment rights in this country without fear of violence."
Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the Sacramento Division of the FBI praised the collaboration with local partners, stating, "The FBI remains committed to protecting the American people and will continue to work within the confines of the law to hold individuals accountable for acts of terrorism whether those acts are true threats or intended as hoaxes."
Salah's sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. Salah could face a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The court will determine the final sentence based on statutory factors and federal guidelines.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from law enforcement agencies in Roseville, San Diego, and Arapahoe County, Colorado. The prosecution team comprises Special Litigation Counsel Christopher Perras, Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Kenny for the Eastern District of California.