Federal Authorities Say Hate-Motivated Threats Sought to Spread Fear in Christian Communities
A Phoenix resident who targeted Christian churches across three states with hoax bomb threats — while building an actual explosive device — was sentenced Friday to six years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Zimnako Salah, 46, was convicted earlier this year for placing a backpack inside a Roseville, California Christian church bathroom in an effort to spark fear and disrupt the congregation’s worship. A jury also issued a special finding that Salah intentionally targeted Christians because of their faith, elevating the case to a federal hate-crime offense.
Prosecutors said Salah traveled to four churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado between September and November 2023, entering each location with black backpacks. At two churches, he was able to plant them — causing congregants to fear they contained bombs. At two others, church security intervened before he could leave the bags behind.
During this period of planted threats, investigators say Salah was also actively constructing a bomb that could fit inside a backpack. FBI technicians later recovered components of an improvised explosive device in his storage unit.
A review of Salah’s online activity showed he had been consuming extremist propaganda, including videos of ISIS militants and searches for “infidels dying.” In a cell-phone recording days before the crimes, he declared, “America. We are going to destroy it.”
Federal officials said the sentencing sends a message that acts of hatred against people of faith will be met with firm consequences.
“Those who target people because of their faith will face the full force of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Department of Justice will continue to protect the rights of all people of faith to worship and live free from fear.”
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said the outcome highlights the importance of church security teams, local police, and federal authorities acting quickly to stop what could have resulted in mass casualties.
FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel added that the bureau has “zero tolerance for those who target Americans based on their religious beliefs,” praising the vigilance of churches and community members who helped investigators track Salah’s movements.
The case was investigated by the FBI with support from multiple local agencies across California, Arizona, and Colorado, and prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
