An Iraqi immigrant living in Arizona was convicted for a multi-state hate crime campaign involving fake bombs at Christian churches—while secretly building a real explosive device.
At a Glance
- Zimnako Salah, a 45-year-old Iraqi man, was convicted of hate crimes after planting hoax bombs at churches across Arizona, California, and Colorado.
- Authorities discovered he was concurrently constructing a real explosive device and storing bomb materials in a Colorado unit.
- Investigators found ISIS propaganda, videos of Christian executions, and anti-American materials in his possession.
- Salah reportedly told one church volunteer they “might meet Jesus today” during his campaign.
- He faces up to 6 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when sentenced on July 18.
Anti-Christian Campaign Across Three States
Zimnako Salah’s conviction follows a chilling series of incidents from fall 2023 in which he planted fake bombs—typically backpacks containing pillows—in churches across three states. One incident in Roseville, California, prompted a full evacuation and bomb squad deployment. Though the devices were not functional, they were intended to simulate credible threats.
According to KCRA, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith stated, “Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank… His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs.”
Real Bomb Plans in Motion
Investigators later found Salah had far more lethal intentions. In a storage unit in Colorado linked to him, authorities uncovered active bomb-making components and graffiti in Arabic condemning Christians. According to CBS News Colorado, the materials were suitable for constructing a backpack-sized explosive device.
He was also found with videos glorifying ISIS and showing violence against Christians, reinforcing the religious and ideological motive behind his threats. Salah reportedly made a chilling remark to a church volunteer during one encounter: they “might meet Jesus today.”
Watchdog Agencies Alarmed
Salah’s activity spanned multiple states and was well-documented by surveillance cameras and highway tracking. The Department of Justice, under Acting U.S. Attorney Pamela Bondi, emphasized its commitment to protecting religious freedom. “This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith,” Bondi said, as reported by CBS.
Political Reactions and Sentencing Outlook
Some commentators have used Salah’s case to criticize current immigration and national security policies, arguing for stricter vetting of immigrants. However, the court focused on the evidence: Salah was building real bombs while waging a hate-fueled psychological terror campaign against Christian congregations.
He was convicted of conveying false bomb threats and obstructing the free exercise of religion—both federal hate crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18, and he faces a maximum of six years in prison along with a fine up to $250,000.
As prosecutors and federal officials review the case, many faith leaders have expressed relief that the threat was stopped before real lives were lost. But the leniency of the potential sentence has raised questions about how the U.S. justice system classifies and penalizes ideologically motivated violence, especially when plots are thwarted before they’re executed.
