An Orlando man has been charged with multiple counts of threatening to use explosives and destruction of an energy facility following attacks on local businesses and a solar power generation site. Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, a 43-year-old Jordanian citizen, faces serious allegations after allegedly carrying out a series of targeted actions against companies he perceived as supporters of Israel, causing extensive property damage and elevating concerns over the security of critical infrastructure.
According to the United States Department of Justice announcement, law enforcement agencies pursued Hnaihen following a string of incidents beginning in June 2024, which included the vandalization of business properties and an explicit threat to "destroy or explode everything here in whole America. Especially the companies and factories that support the racist state of Israel." Wearing a mask, under the cover of night, Hnaihen smashed the glass front doors of businesses and left behind “Warning Letters.”
The situation escalated when Hnaihen allegedly broke into a solar facility in Wedgefield and damaged solar panels and electronic equipment, an act that resulted in over $700,000 in damages. As the authorities zeroed in on the masked suspect, FBI Director Christopher Wray issued a statement asserting, "Violence and destruction of property to threaten and intimidate others will never be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will work together to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence." Hnaihen was taken into custody on July 11 after additional threats were discovered at a gas distribution depot, as reported by the United States Department of Justice.
If convicted, Hnaihen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of threatening to use explosives and up to 20 years for the destruction of an energy facility offense. The case is under investigation by the FBI in coordination with several local law enforcement agencies, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department. U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg outlined Hnaihen's charges for the Middle District of Florida, who remarked, "Targeting and attacking businesses for perceived beliefs is unacceptable," according to the United States Department of Justice website. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan is leading the prosecution effort with the aid of Trial Attorneys from the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
