2009 New York terrorism plot

The Newburgh Four Bombers
Location of the two targets.
Location	New York
Date	Attempted on May 20, 2009
Attack type	Attempted bombing; attempt to shoot down military aircraft
Weapons	fake C-4 plastic explosives; fake Stinger missiles
Deaths	0
Suspected perpetrators	4 individuals

On May 20, 2009, US law enforcement arrested four men in connection with a plot to shoot down military airplanes flying out of an Air National Guard base in Newburgh, New York, and blow up two synagogues in the Riverdale community of the Bronx. The group, led by James Cromitie, was tried and all four were convicted. It was later brought to light that the four men were actually encouraged into participating in the plot by the FBI. The men argue that this was a case of entrapment.

The FBI's use of two informants, and offers of money and food incentives to the four men in the case has led to accusations that the FBI engaged in entrapment. On August 23, 2013 by a 2 to 1 vote an appeal to overturn the convictions was denied by a Manhattan appeals court. Judge Jon O. Newman cited Cromitie's statements as proof of intent. In dissent, the Chief Judge Dennis Jacobs said there was scarce evidence of pre intent and that Cromitie was "badgered" into joining the plot. All three judges unanimously rejected the entrapment claims by the three other defendants and rejected all four defendants’ arguments that their convictions should be overturned on grounds of government misconduct.

The attempted attack is cited as one of a series of plots and failed attacks by Muslims on military installations in the United States, including the 2005 Los Angeles bomb plot, the 2007 Fort Dix attack plot, the 2009 Little Rock recruiting office shooting, and the September 11 attacks. As with the 2005 plot to attack military bases in California, some or all of the other suspects converted to Islam in prison.

Previous Islam-related terror attacks in Riverdale include the 1989 firebombing of the Riverdale Press during the controversy over The Satanic Verses and the 2000 New York terror attack.