An Iraqi man, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, has been charged by U.S. prosecutors with plotting terror attacks in the United States, including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. According to CBS News' Anna Schecter, Al-Saadi is accused of targeting these locations.
Al-Saadi is also implicated in recent incidents in Canada: an attack on a synagogue and the March 10 shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto. The charges reveal his alleged involvement in planning at least 18 attacks across Europe, including firebombing a bank in Amsterdam and stabbing Jewish men in London.
In one recorded phone call with an FBI informant, Al-Saadi stated he was willing to kill people during any such attacks. He provided photos and maps of the planned targets to the undercover officer. The Associated Press reported that Al-Saadi had sought assistance from this informant for planning his U.S.-based attacks.
"Al-Saadi is alleged to have directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests, including by killing Americans and Jews," stated a U.S. official quoted in the Globe and Mail article. The National Post reported that Al-Saadi had posted about these attacks on Snapchat and Telegram, further implicating him in their planning.
According to the complaint unsealed Friday in Manhattan federal court, Al-Saadi was arrested for his alleged involvement in these terror plots. His case highlights the ongoing threat of international terrorism targeting Jewish communities worldwide.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Saturday, May 16, 2026 based on reporting from 3 verified news sources across 2 countries. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.