Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{use mdy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title = 2016 New York and New Jersey bombings
| partof = <!-- [[Terrorism in the United States]] -->
| image = 2016 Chelsea, NY explosion.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = New York City [[Mayor of New York City|Mayor]] [[Bill de Blasio]] and State [[Governor of New York|Governor]] [[Andrew Cuomo]] tour the site of the Manhattan bombing.
| map = {{Location map many | USA New Jersey
| alt =
| caption = <!--Locations of the bombings--><!-- over a map of greater New Jersey-->
| label = Seaside Park bombing
| lat_deg = 39.925602
| lon_deg = -74.074726
| position1 = left
| label2= {{nowrap|Manhattan bombing}}
| lat2_deg = 40.743631
| lon2_deg = -73.994308
| position2 = left
| label3 = {{nowrap|Elizabeth bombs}}
| lat3_deg = 40.667778
| lon3_deg = -74.215000
| position3 = left
}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39.925602|-74.074726|display=inline|name=Seaside Park bombing}} (Seaside Park)<br>{{coord|40.743631|-73.994308|display=inline|name=Manhattan bombing}} (Manhattan)<br>{{coord|40.667778|-74.215|display=inline|name=Elizabeth bombs}} (Elizabeth)
| location = [[Seaside Park, New Jersey|Seaside Park]], [[New Jersey]], U.S.<br>[[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]], [[Manhattan]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.<br>[[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], New Jersey, U.S.<br>[[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], New Jersey, U.S.
| date = '''Seaside Park bombing:''' September 17, 2016, 9:30 a.m.<br>'''Manhattan bombing:''' September 17, 2016, 8:31 p.m.<br>'''Elizabeth bombs discovered:''' September 19, 2016, {{circa}} 12:40 a.m.<br>'''Linden shootout:''' September 19, 2016, 11:23 a.m.
| time =
| timezone = All times are [[UTC-04:00]]
| type = [[Bombing]], [[shootout]]
| fatalities = 0
| injuries = '''35 total:'''
* 31 civilians in Manhattan
* 3 police officers in Linden
* 1 suspect in Linden
| victims = <!-- or | victim = -->
| assailants = <!-- or | assailant = -->
| perps = Ahmad Khan Rahimi
| weapons = [[Pressure cooker bomb]]s, [[pipe bomb]]s, [[9mm]] [[Glock pistol]]
| numparts = <!-- or | numpart = -->
| dfens = <!-- or | dfen = -->
| motive =
| inquiry =
| coroner =
| accused =
| convicted =
| verdict =
| convictions =
| charges =
| litigation =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| module =
}}
On September 17–19, 2016, three bombs exploded and several unexploded ones were found in the [[New York metropolitan area]]. The bombings left 31 people wounded, but no fatalities or life-threatening injuries were reported.
On the morning of September 17, a [[pipe bomb]] exploded in [[Seaside Park, New Jersey]]. Later that day, a homemade pressure cooker bomb went off in the [[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]] neighborhood of [[Manhattan]], [[New York City]]. A second pressure cooker bomb was discovered four blocks away. Late on September 18, multiple bombs were discovered at the [[Elizabeth station|train station]] in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]]. One of these bombs detonated early next day.
On September 19, 2016, the sole suspect—Ahmad Khan Rahimi, of Elizabeth—was captured, following a shootout with police in neighboring [[Linden, New Jersey]]. Rahimi was not part of a terrorist group, but his actions were believed to have been influenced by the [[Jihadism|extremist Islamic ideology]] espoused by [[al-Qaeda]]. In 2017, Rahimi was convicted in U.S. federal court of eight federal crimes arising from the attack. On February 13, 2018, Rahimi was sentenced to a mandatory sentence of [[life without parole]].
==Seaside Park bombing==
In the morning of September 17, 2016, in [[Ocean County, New Jersey]], the Seaside Semper Five, a [[5k run]] event, was expected to draw as many as 3,000 people, with many of them being veterans of the [[United States Armed Forces]]. The race was delayed after a suspicious backpack was noticed in the vicinity of the starting point.<ref name="NYT">{{cite web|first1=Christopher|last1=Mele|first2=Al|last2=Baker|first3=Michael|last3=Barbaro|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-new-york-city.html|title=Powerful Blast Injures at Least 29 in Manhattan; Second Device Found|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918025042/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-new-york-city.html|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="patch">{{cite web|url=http://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/explosion-evacuates-seaside-park-boardwalk-area-reports|title=Pipe Bomb Explodes Along 5K Seaside Park Racecourse on Jersey Shore|publisher=[[Patch.com]]|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|first=Tom|last=Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918143034/http://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/explosion-evacuates-seaside-park-boardwalk-area-reports|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
At about 9:30 a.m., shortly before the race was supposed to start, a pipe bomb exploded in a trash can on Ocean Avenue in Seaside Park.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="patch"/> Three "rudimentary" pipe bombs, all reportedly timed to go off during the race, were later found, with only one of the three having exploded. No one was hurt by this bombing, however.<ref name="Procupez">{{cite news|last1=Perez|first1=Evan|last2=Procupecz|first2=Simon|last3=Newsome|first3=John|title=Blast near Marine Corps race in New Jersey probed as possible terror act|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/nj-explosive-trash-can/|accessdate=September 18, 2016|publisher=CNN|date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917194808/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/nj-explosive-trash-can/|archive-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The race was canceled after the explosion,<ref name="Procupez"/> and the beach and boardwalk in Seaside Park were evacuated. Police officials and federal agents soon went [[door-to-door]], asking residents about information regarding the bombs or any suspicious activity they may have seen, heard, or witnessed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox29.com/news/206098346-story|title=Beaches reopened but lots of questions after Jersey Shore explosion|work=Fox29.com|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919185344/http://www.fox29.com/news/206098346-story|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Seaside Park beaches reopen after pipe bomb blast |url=http://newjersey.news12.com/news/official-more-devices-wired-to-pipe-bomb-in-seaside-park-failed-to-detonate-at-semper-five-5k-race-1.12329728?firstfree=yes |archive-url=https://archive.is/20161014005349/http://newjersey.news12.com/news/official-more-devices-wired-to-pipe-bomb-in-seaside-park-failed-to-detonate-at-semper-five-5k-race-1.12329728?firstfree=yes |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 14, 2016 |accessdate=September 18, 2016 |publisher=News 12 New Jersey |date=September 19, 2016 }}</ref>
==Manhattan bombing==
In the [[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]] neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, on the same day as the Seaside Park bombing, a pressure cooker bomb filled with shrapnel, in the form of small [[Bearing (mechanical)|bearings]] or metal [[BB (ammunition)|BBs]],<ref name="SantoraNYT"/> exploded in a crowded area on West 23rd Street, between [[Sixth Avenue|Avenue of the Americas]] and [[Seventh Avenue (Manhattan)|Seventh Avenue]] at 8:31 p.m.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="SantoraNYT"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Surveillance videos from Chelsea gym show terrifying moment bomb detonates|url=http://pix11.com/2016/09/18/surveillance-video-from-chelsea-gym-shows-terrifying-moment-bomb-detonates/|website=WPIX-TV|accessdate=September 18, 2016|date=September 18, 2016|first1=Alyssa|last1=Zauderer|first2=Dan|last2=Mannarino|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919152005/http://pix11.com/2016/09/18/surveillance-video-from-chelsea-gym-shows-terrifying-moment-bomb-detonates/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The explosion occurred in front of 133 West 23rd Street<ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow">{{cite news | last1=Workman | first1=Karen | last2=Rosenberg | first2=Eli | last3=Mele | first3=Christopher | title=Chelsea Explosion: What We Know and Don’t Know | website=The New York Times | date=September 18, 2016 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-what-we-know-and-dont-know.html | accessdate=September 18, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918200808/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-what-we-know-and-dont-know.html | archive-date=September 18, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> in the vicinity of a construction site,<ref name="WaPo">{{cite web|first1=Philip|last1=Bump|first2=Mark|last2=Berman|first3=Amy B.|last3=Wang|first4=Matt|last4=Zapotosky|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/17/new-york-officials-say-25-people-injured-after-explosion-in-chelsea/|title=Explosion that injured 29 in New York 'obviously an act of terrorism,' governor says|work=The Washington Post|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919063522/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/17/new-york-officials-say-25-people-injured-after-explosion-in-chelsea/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> at which materials were in place for exterior renovations of the Visions at Selis Manor facility, an apartment building for the blind, at 135 West 23rd Street.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/18/29-hurt-in-manhattan-explosion-suspicious-package-probed/|title=Investigation underway into NYC explosion that injured 29|publisher=Mercury News|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919130855/http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/18/29-hurt-in-manhattan-explosion-suspicious-package-probed/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Newsday">{{cite news|title=De Blasio: Dozens injured in Manhattan explosion|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/de-blasio-29-injured-in-explosion-in-manhattan-1.12331497|work=Newsday|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016}}</ref> Other nearby buildings included the Townhouse Inn of Chelsea,<ref name="Newsday"/> many restaurants, and a [[Trader Joe's]] at 21st Street and 6th Avenue.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/> The Chelsea neighborhood is residential, known for its nightlife, and is not close to any significant tourist sites or government buildings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.ng/news/world/183688/injured-intentional-york-explosion|title=Several injured in 'intentional' New York explosion|date=September 18, 2016|publisher=Today|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918080914/https://www.today.ng/news/world/183688/injured-intentional-york-explosion|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Witnesses said that the explosion "seemed to have started inside a sidewalk [[dumpster]]" in the vicinity of Sixth Avenue, and photographs of a "twisted dumpster" in the middle of West 23rd Street went viral on Twitter.<ref name="NYT"/> A law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity stated that the explosion "appeared to have come from a construction [[toolbox]]" in front of a building, and photographs of the area reportedly showed a twisted, crumpled black metal box.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/>
===Effects===
[[File:Police after 2016 Manhattan explosion.jpg|thumb|left|A police officer instructs a civilian, as other police, fire and EMS crews work near the scene of the bomb explosion.]]
The explosion "was powerful enough to vault a heavy steel dumpster more than 120 feet through the air ... Windows shattered 400 feet from where the explosion went off, and pieces of the bomb were recovered 650 feet away."<ref name="InspiredBinLaden">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-suspect.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami Was Inspired by Bin Laden, Charges Say|first1=Marc|last1=Santora|first2=Adam|last2=Goldman|date=September 21, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921170901/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-suspect.html|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The explosion caused damage to a nearby five-story [[brownstone]],<ref name="NYT"/> and debris was strewn in front of the [[St. Vincent de Paul Church (Manhattan)|St. Vincent de Paul Church]].<ref name="NYDN">{{cite web|first1=Edgar|last1=Sandoval|first2=Nicole|last2=Hensley|first3=Ginger Adams|last3=Otis|first4=Rocco|last4=Parascandola|first5=Rich|last5=Schapiro|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/blast-rips-chelsea-street-started-running-article-1.2796382|title=Explosive fireball rattles Chelsea street injuring 29, secondary pressure cooking device found blocks away|work=The New York Daily News|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031235737/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/blast-rips-chelsea-street-started-running-article-1.2796382|archive-date=October 31, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The moment of the blast was captured on [[closed-circuit television]] footage from three cameras.<ref name="WSJShallwaniVilensky">{{cite web|first1=Pervaiz|last1=Shallwani|first2=Mike|last2=Vilensky|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/explosion-in-new-yorks-chelsea-neighborhood-injures-several-people-1474163987|title='Intentional' Explosion in Chelsea Neighborhood of New York Injures Dozens|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918030523/http://www.wsj.com/articles/explosion-in-new-yorks-chelsea-neighborhood-injures-several-people-1474163987|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Thirty-one civilians were injured,<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/> 24 of whom were taken to four hospitals.<ref name="NYDN"/><ref name="CNN">{{cite news|last1=Simon|first1=Mallory|last2=Hume|first2=Tim|title=New York explosion that injured 29 was 'intentional act,' mayor says|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/new-york-explosion/|publisher=CNN|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918160112/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/new-york-explosion/|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Most injuries were scrapes and bruises caused by flying debris and glass.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/><ref name="WSJShallwaniVilensky"/> None of the injuries were ultimately life-threatening, but one victim sustained [[penetrating trauma]] to the abdomen and was rushed from the scene in serious condition.<ref name="NYT" /> Nine of the injured were taken to [[Bellevue Hospital]],<ref name=NBC.Intentional/> including the seriously injured civilian.<ref name="NYDN"/> Lenox Health Greenwich Village treated another nine victims.<ref name="WaPo"/> By the following morning, all of the injured had been released.<ref name="SantoraNYT">{{cite news|first1=Marc|last1=Santora|first2=William K.|last2=Rashbaum|first3=Al|last3=Baker|first4=Adam|last4=Goldman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/new-york-explosion-chelsea.html|title=Manhattan Bombs Provide Trove of Clues; F.B.I. Questions 5 People|work=The New York Times|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918230122/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/new-york-explosion-chelsea.html|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow"/>
The explosion disrupted travel in Manhattan extensively. A significant zone ([[14th Street (Manhattan)|14th Street]] to [[34th Street (Manhattan)|34th Street]] between [[Fifth Avenue]] and [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]]) was closed to car travel overnight. By 7:00 a.m. the following morning, all roads in that region were reopened except for West 23rd Street. [[New York City Subway]] service to stations along West 23rd Street was disrupted while the investigation was ongoing.<ref name="TransportationDisruptions">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/explosion-causes-extensive-disruptions-to-travel-in-manhattan.html|title=Explosion Causes Extensive Disruptions to Travel in Manhattan|last=Mele|first=Christopher|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919221420/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/explosion-causes-extensive-disruptions-to-travel-in-manhattan.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===Discovery of second device===
Following the explosion, officers began a block-by-block search for additional unexploded bombs.<ref name="GolsteinHowFound">{{cite web|first=Joseph|last=Golstein|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/second-bomb-new-york-explosion.html|title=How Police Found Second Bomb, and a 'Total Containment Vessel' Hauled It Away|work=The New York Times|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919133617/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/second-bomb-new-york-explosion.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Several hours later, police received a 9-1-1 call from a resident of West [[27th Street (Manhattan)|27th Street]] who had seen a suspicious-looking package near her home. The device was under a mailbox at West 27th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, four blocks away from the site of the original blast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/woman-who-found-second-bomb-chelsea-thought-it-was-science-experiment|title=Woman Who Found Second Bomb in Chelsea Thought It Was a Science Experiment|website=DNAinfo New York|access-date=September 25, 2016|last=Hurowitz|first=Noah|date=September 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927031509/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/woman-who-found-second-bomb-chelsea-thought-it-was-science-experiment|archivedate=September 27, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> When authorities came to look, two [[New York State Police|state troopers]] discovered the pressure cooker bomb concealed in a plastic bag and connected with dark wiring to a mobile phone.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/><ref name="GolsteinHowFound"/> The bomb was filled with small bearings or metal BBs.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/> The pressure cooker bomb was described as similar to those used in the [[Boston Marathon bombing]].<ref name="NYT" /><ref name="NYDN" /><ref name="CNN"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/nyc_explosion_believed_to_be_intentional_act_mayor.html|title=NYC blast believed to be 'intentional act,' mayor says|last=Cohen|first=Noah|date=September 17, 2016|work=NJ.com|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921082252/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/nyc_explosion_believed_to_be_intentional_act_mayor.html|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/18/us/new-york-explosion/index.html|title=New York bombing: Investigators search for suspects, motive|date=September 18, 2016|publisher=CNN|last2=Prokupecz|first2=Shimon|first1=Evan|last1=Perez|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918171240/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/18/us/new-york-explosion/index.html|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The [[New York City Police Department]] (NYPD) reported its find of a "possible secondary device" at 11:00 p.m.<ref name="NYT" />
The bomb was removed by an NYPD bomb squad robot.<ref name="NYT" /><ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/> The robot placed the bomb in a [[Bomb_disposal#Bomb_containment_chamber|containment chamber]], and the device was driven away at around 2:25 a.m. on September 18.<ref name="GolsteinHowFound"/> Investigators obtained fingerprints and the mobile phone from the device.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/thieves-helped-crack-chelsea-bombing-case-sources-say|title=Thieves Helped Crack the Chelsea Bombing Case, Sources Say|last=Weiss|first=Murray|last2=Rizzi|first2=Nicholas|date=September 19, 2016|website=DNAinfo New York|last3=Kapp|first3=Trevor|last4=Gardiner|first4=Aidan|accessdate=September 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920070315/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/thieves-helped-crack-chelsea-bombing-case-sources-say|archivedate=September 20, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The bomb was driven to the NYPD's [[Rodman's Neck]] firing range in [[the Bronx]], where it was rendered safe<ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow"/> via a [[controlled explosion]].<ref name="CapturedCNN"/> The devices were to be sent to the [[FBI Laboratory]] in [[Quantico, Virginia]], for further inspection.<ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow"/><ref name="WaPo"/>
==Discovery of bombs in Elizabeth==
At around 8:00 p.m. on September 18, two men took a backpack they found atop a municipal garbage can at the [[Elizabeth (NJT station)|Elizabeth train station]] in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]].<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016"/><ref name=NBC.Questioned>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nyc-explosion-fbi-cops-investigate-vehicle-interest-n-y-new-n650306|title=Ahmad Rahami, Suspect in N.Y., N.J. Bombings, in Custody: Sources|work=NBC News|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Miguel|last1=Almaguer|first2=Alex|last2=Johnson|first3=Tom|last3=Winter|first4=Jonathan|last4=Dienst|first5=Corky|last5=Siemaszko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919045256/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nyc-explosion-fbi-cops-investigate-vehicle-interest-n-y-new-n650306|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="SchweberBromwich">{{cite web | last=Schweber | first=Nate | last2=Bromwich | first2=Jonah Engel | title=Pipe Bombs Found Near Train Station in Elizabeth, N.J. | website=The New York Times | date=September 19, 2016 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/pipe-bombs-found-near-train-station-in-elizabeth-nj-official-says.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919073606/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/pipe-bombs-found-near-train-station-in-elizabeth-nj-official-says.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="WNBC">{{cite web | last=Dienst | first=Jonathan | last2=Siff | first2=Andrew | last3=Siegal | first3=Ida | last4=Creag | first4=Katherine | last5=Bordonaro | first5=Lori | title=Device Explodes Near Train Station in New Jersey as Authorities Probe Bag | website=NBC New York | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/NYC-Verrazano-Bridge-Traffic-Stop-Chelsea-Bombing-Elizabeth-NJT-Station-Package-393920101.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919225549/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/NYC-Verrazano-Bridge-Traffic-Stop-Chelsea-Bombing-Elizabeth-NJT-Station-Package-393920101.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=NJ.Sought>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/elizabeth_man_sought_by_fbi_on_nj_nyc_explosions_w.html|title=Man sought by FBI in N.J., NYC explosions worked in family eatery|work=NJ.com|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922002338/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/elizabeth_man_sought_by_fbi_on_nj_nyc_explosions_w.html|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> One of the men, Lee Parker, was [[Hobo|homeless]] and was looking for a backpack so he could go to a job search. His friend Ivan White had found the backpack above the garbage can.<ref name="WABC-Backpack">{{cite web | agency=WABC | title=Homeless man, friend who found bombs in Elizabeth say they were 'just doing the right thing' | website=ABC7 New York | date=September 20, 2016 | url=http://abc7ny.com/1519370/ | accessdate=September 21, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924032202/http://abc7ny.com/1519370/ | archive-date=September 24, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="CBS New York Backpack">{{cite web | title=Two Men Unlikely Heroes After Discovering Bag Of Pipe Bombs In Elizabeth | website=CBS New York | date=September 20, 2016 | url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/20/ivan-white-lee-parker-elizabeth/ | accessdate=September 21, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922140049/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/20/ivan-white-lee-parker-elizabeth/ | archive-date=September 22, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> They were about {{convert|300|ft|m}} from a busy pub's front entrance<ref name=NBC.Questioned/> and about {{convert|500|ft|m}} from a [[Trestle bridge|train trestle]] when they took the backpack.<ref name="CapturedCNN">{{cite web | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/index.html?sr=twCNN091916new-york-explosion-investigation0944AMVODtop | title=NY, NJ bombings: Suspect charged with attempted murder of officers | publisher=CNN | date=September 19, 2016 | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | first1=Evan | last1=Perez | first2=Shimon | last2=Prokupecz | first3=Emanuella | last3=Grinberg | first4=Holly | last4=Yan | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919231545/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/index.html?sr=twCNN091916new-york-explosion-investigation0944AMVODtop | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> White and Parker looked into the backpack, discovered that the item contained wires and a pipe, and called 9-1-1 at around 8:45 p.m.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/><ref name="WABC-Backpack"/><ref name="CBS New York Backpack"/> The men, who were not held as suspects,<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016"/><ref name="SchweberBromwich"/> were hailed as heroes in Elizabeth;<ref name="WABC-Backpack"/><ref name="CBS New York Backpack"/> a [[GoFundMe]] campaign in their name raised over $16,000 in donations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/donations-flood-men-found-bombs-n-train-station-article-1.2801146|title=Online campaign raises more than $16G for two men that discovered backpack full of bombs at N.J. train station|last1=Dimon|first1=Laura|last2=Schapiro|first2=Rich|date=September 21, 2016|website=The New York Daily News|accessdate=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922123750/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/donations-flood-men-found-bombs-n-train-station-article-1.2801146|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The Elizabeth Police Department was the first authority to respond to the men's 9-1-1 call.<ref name="WABC-Backpack"/><ref name="CBS New York Backpack"/> The investigation was soon turned over to the [[New Jersey Transit Police Department]] and the [[FBI]], two county robots (Union and Essex) confirmed the devices were pipe bombs. One of these bombs was detonated at around 12:40 a.m. as the robots sought to disarm the devices. One robot was "damaged" by the blast.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/><ref name=NJ.Sought/> Authorities were working to disable the other devices.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/b5293ebae8c344578f176795237ef7af/latest-explosion-reported-scene-investigation|title=The Latest: Man Being Sought Lived in Apartment FBI Searched|agency=Associated Press|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019011219/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/b5293ebae8c344578f176795237ef7af/latest-explosion-reported-scene-investigation|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Following the bomb's accidental explosion, the station was evacuated. The surrounding area was put on [[lockdown]], and service was suspended between the [[Newark Liberty International Airport station|Newark Airport]] and Elizabeth stations for the day. New Jersey-bound trains from New York were held at [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Penn Station]].<ref name="WNBC"/><ref name="LiveblogABC">{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a4c9679b2b314bfba7a0b5bb74fc15ad/latest-no-apparent-link-nyc-blast-overseas-terror|title=The Latest: Suspicious Device Checked at NJ Train Station|agency=Associated Press|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019003129/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a4c9679b2b314bfba7a0b5bb74fc15ad/latest-no-apparent-link-nyc-blast-overseas-terror|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Elizabeth Mayor [[J. Christian Bollwage]] said that it was unclear whether the train station was a specific target, or whether the bombs were dumped by someone looking to quickly get rid of them.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/> The Elizabeth device was "similar in appearance" to the Seaside Park device.<ref name=NBC.Questioned/> Police later theorized that the bomber, Ahmad Khan Rahimi, had thrown away the bombs in Elizabeth in an effort to hide the evidence because these bombs lacked detonators.<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016"/>
{{Clear}}
==Investigation==
[[File:23rd Street Manhattan bombing investigation 3.jpg|thumb|right|Ongoing investigation at 23rd Street, as seen on September 19, 2016]]
The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI), the [[Joint Terrorism Task Force]] (JTTF), [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Homeland Security]], and the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] (ATF) responded to the scene of the Chelsea bombing and were involved in the investigation, in addition to the [[New York City Fire Department]] (FDNY) and the NYPD. Initially, the Seaside Park and Manhattan bombings were investigated as separate incidents, but over a period of two days, the investigation yielded similarities between the two incidents, leading the investigators to determine that they were connected, and therefore that it was to be investigated as one overall composite terrorist act or endeavor, committed by the same person or party.<ref name="NYT" /><ref name=NBC.Intentional>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/29-hurt-manhattan-explosion-called-intentional-act-n650041|title='An Act of Terrorism': Investigators Hunting for Clues in NYC Bomb That Injured 29|work=NBC News|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|first1=Jonathan|last1=Dienst|first2=Tom|last2=Winter|first3=Richard|last3=Esposito|first4=Emmanuelle|last4=Saliba|first5=Phil|last5=Helsel|first6=Elisha|last6=Fieldstadt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918094001/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/29-hurt-manhattan-explosion-called-intentional-act-n650041|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/18/manhattan-explosion-several-injured-in-blast-rolling-report|title=New York explosion: Cuomo says 'no evidence of international terrorism' – as it happened|first1=Elle|last1=Hunt|first2=Alan|last2=Yuhas|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|publisher=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918041642/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/18/manhattan-explosion-several-injured-in-blast-rolling-report|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Within hours after the attack, officials [[:File:Loud-explosion-reported-manhattan-chelsea-neighborhood.webm|determined]] that the explosion was intentional, and ruled out the possibility of a [[Gas explosion|natural gas explosion]].<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="usa today">{{cite web|first1=Melanie|last1=Eversley|first2=Kevin|last2=McCoy|title=Big blast, 29 injuries in NYC; pressure cooker device removed nearby|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/17/explosion-new-york-chelsea-neighborhood/90605526/|newspaper=USA Today|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918013812/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/17/explosion-new-york-chelsea-neighborhood/90605526/|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Investigators did not immediately find evidence of a [[terrorism]] link,<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="CNN"/> initially leaving open the possibility of [[arson]] or [[vandalism]] at the time.<ref>{{cite news|last1=David|first1=Javier E.|title=NYC Mayor DeBlasio: Chelsea explosion 'intentional', but no immediate terror link|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/17/explosion-injuries-reported-in-nycs-chelsea-section.html|work=CNBC|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919132124/http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/17/explosion-injuries-reported-in-nycs-chelsea-section.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A link to terrorism was discovered in the following days.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="FBI"/>
Both of the Manhattan bombs—the one that exploded and the second that was disabled—were of the same design, using pressure cookers filled with bearings or metal BBs that were rigged with [[Flip (form)|flip]] [[mobile phone|phone]]s and [[Christmas lights]] that set off a small charge of [[hexamethylene triperoxide diamine]] (HMTD), which served as a [[detonator]] for a larger charge of a [[secondary explosive]] similar to [[Tannerite]].<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Greenemeier|first1=Larry|title=Chemicals Could Be a Key in Investigating the New York and New Jersey Bombings|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chemicals-could-be-a-key-in-investigating-the-new-york-and-new-jersey-bombings/|accessdate=September 28, 2016|publisher=Scientific American|date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924151905/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chemicals-could-be-a-key-in-investigating-the-new-york-and-new-jersey-bombings/|archive-date=September 24, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The FBI examined fingerprints from the undetonated West 27th Street pressure cooker bomb and its attached mobile phone.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /> [[DNA evidence]] was also recovered.<ref name="FBI"/> On September 19, the FBI traced the prints, as well as some pictures on the mobile phone, to Ahmad Khan Rahimi (see [[#Suspect|below]]).<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" />
Though the explosives in all four incidents were of three different designs, the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] found that the bomb-maker followed guidelines featured in ''[[Inspire (magazine)|Inspire]]'', an online magazine published by [[al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-rahami-al-qaeda-magazine-bomb-making-article-1.2805807|title=Ahmad Rahami may have followed bomb-making tips from Al Qaeda magazine, memo shows|work=The New York Daily News|date=September 25, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first=Jason|last=Silverstein|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927124041/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-rahami-al-qaeda-magazine-bomb-making-article-1.2805807|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Investigators also said they believed the bomb-maker had cased the Chelsea neighborhood before the bombing there, and that he may have had an accomplice as he would have had to otherwise cover a lot of ground between the bombing sites in a relatively short amount of time. They were talking to witnesses who claimed to have seen Rahimi in the Chelsea area before the explosion.<ref name=CBS.Views/><ref name=CBS.Cased>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-city-bombing-suspect-cased-chelsea-explosion/|title=New York City bombing suspect may have cased Chelsea before blast|work=CBS News|date=September 22, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928214031/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-city-bombing-suspect-cased-chelsea-explosion/|archive-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Several bomb ingredients were purchased by Rahimi on [[eBay]] between June 20 and August 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-ahmad-khan-rahami-bought-bomb-ingredients-on-ebay/|title=Feds: Ahmad Khan Rahami bought bomb ingredients on eBay|work=CBS News|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003090449/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-ahmad-khan-rahami-bought-bomb-ingredients-on-ebay/|archive-date=October 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===Search for suspects===
Investigators discovered surveillance video that showed a suspect planting a bomb, later identified as Rahimi, on West 23rd Street in Manhattan, then walking to West 27th Street dragging a duffel bag. The subject left the bag at West 27th Street. Later, two individuals took the pressure cooker bomb out of the bag and left the scene.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Parascandola Durkin Otis 2016" /> Authorities determined that the two men who had taken the bomb out of the bag were, most likely, scavengers who had only wanted the duffel bag and did not know what they had been handling; in the process, they might have deactivated the bomb in the bag. The NYPD and FBI wished to talk with these men, who were considered possible witnesses but were not suspected in helping plant the bomb.<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/09/19/two-men-took-second-bomb-out-of-suitcase-in-chelsea/|title=Two scavengers took second bomb out of suitcase in Chelsea|last=Celona|first=Larry|last2=Musumeci|first2=Natalie|date=September 19, 2016|website=[[New York Post]]|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919182607/http://nypost.com/2016/09/19/two-men-took-second-bomb-out-of-suitcase-in-chelsea/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Investigators later believed the men were possible Egyptian tourists who have since returned to their home country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160927/chelsea/who-deactivated-west-27th-street-bomb-two-men-suitcase-ahmad-khan-rahami|title=Two Men Who Took Chelsea Bomb Suitcase May Have Left Country, Sources Say|work=DNAInfo|date=September 27, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first=Murray|last=Weiss|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928170148/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160927/chelsea/who-deactivated-west-27th-street-bomb-two-men-suitcase-ahmad-khan-rahami|archivedate=September 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=ChicTrib.ID>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-manhattan-bombing-20160928-story.html|title=Men who took bag holding bomb that failed to detonate in Manhattan ID'd as tourists|publisher=Chicago Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=September 28, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930154232/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-manhattan-bombing-20160928-story.html|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> U.S. investigators notified Egyptian authorities that they wanted to question the men.<ref name=ChicTrib.ID/>
Late on September 18, the day after the Manhattan explosion, the FBI announced that five men, who were later found to be relatives of Rahimi, had been detained in connection with the investigation. The men were detained at about 8:45 p.m. at a traffic stop, which was being conducted by the FBI and NYPD on the [[Belt Parkway]] near the [[Verrazano-Narrows Bridge]].<ref name="NBC.Questioned" /><ref name="HuntforRahami">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/nyc-nj-explosions-ahmad-khan-rahami.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami Is Arrested in Manhattan and New Jersey Bombings|date=September 18, 2016|last2=Rashbaum|first2=William K.|newspaper=The New York Times|last3=Baker|first3=Al|last4=Goldman|first4=Adam|first1=Marc|last1=Santora|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919124409/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/nyc-nj-explosions-ahmad-khan-rahami.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Yahoo.Connection">{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/gma/york-governor-says-no-apparent-between-explosion-overseas-151306033--abc-news-topstories.html|title=Sources: Up to 5 People in FBI Custody in Connection With NY Bombing, After Traffic Stop|last2=Crudele|first2=Mark|date=September 18, 2016|last3=Levine|first3=Mike|last4=Caplan|first4=David|work=Yahoo! GMA|accessdate=September 18, 2016|first1=Aaron|last1=Katersky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324110116/https://www.yahoo.com/gma/york-governor-says-no-apparent-between-explosion-overseas-151306033--abc-news-topstories.html|archive-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/09/18/fbi-detains-5-in-connection-to-chelsea-bombing/|title=FBI detains 5 in connection to Chelsea bombing|date=September 18, 2016|publisher=The New York Post|last1=Celona|first1=Larry|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920184401/http://nypost.com/2016/09/18/fbi-detains-5-in-connection-to-chelsea-bombing/|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Sandoval Silverstein 2016" />
===Motive===
An official speaking to ''[[The New York Times]]'' on condition of anonymity said, "We don't understand the target or the significance of it. It's by a pile of dumpsters on a random sidewalk."<ref name="NYT"/> At [[:File:New-york-governor-cuomo.webm|a news conference]] the day following the Manhattan bombing, [[Governor of New York|New York Governor]] [[Andrew Cuomo]] said that placing a bomb in a crowded city street was intrinsically a terrorist act, but that "there is no evidence of an international terrorism connection with this incident", while noting that the investigation was still in its early stages.<ref name="Parascandola Durkin Otis 2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/de-blasio-urges-vigilance-chelsea-explosion-investigated-article-1.2796906|title=Authorities hunt for terrorists who caused Chelsea explosion and planned to detonate second bomb|last=Parascandola|first=Rocco|last2=Durkin|first2=Erin|date=September 18, 2016|website=[[New York Daily News]]|last3=Otis|first3=Ginger Adams|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919013826/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/de-blasio-urges-vigilance-chelsea-explosion-investigated-article-1.2796906|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> An explosives expert, speaking anonymously, said the materials used in the bomb indicated that the bomb-builder had some knowledge of how to assemble the explosive device.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/>
[[File:Video report by Zlatica Hoke, 2016 New York Bombing.webm|thumb|right|thumbtime=1|[[Voice of America]] video report]]
A note found on the pressure cooker bomb left on West 27th Street referred to [[Anwar al-Awlaki]] (the Muslim cleric who became a senior member of [[al-Qaeda]] and was then killed by a U.S. drone strike), the [[Boston Marathon bombing]], and the [[2009 Fort Hood shooting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kwqc.com/2016/09/20/note-on-pressure-cooker-found-in-manhattan-mentioned-boston-bombing-sources-say/|title=Note on Pressure Cooker Found in Manhattan Mentioned Boston Bombing, Sources Say|first=Pete|last=Williams|date=September 20, 2016|publisher=KWQC-TV|accessdate=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921184848/http://kwqc.com/2016/09/20/note-on-pressure-cooker-found-in-manhattan-mentioned-boston-bombing-sources-say/|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://kutv.com/news/nation-world/investigators-suspect-wrote-about-boston-bombers-anwar-al-awlaki|title=Investigators: Suspect wrote about Boston bombers, Anwar al-Awlaki|publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group|accessdate=September 20, 2016|date=September 20, 2016|website=KUTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002022138/http://kutv.com/news/nation-world/investigators-suspect-wrote-about-boston-bombers-anwar-al-awlaki|archive-date=October 2, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="FBI"/>
On September 20, investigators said that when Rahimi was arrested, he had a notebook in his possession in which he had written about Anwar al-Awlaki, the Boston Marathon bombers [[Tamerlan Tsarnaev|Tamerlan]] and [[Dzhokhar Tsarnaev]], and [[Abu Mohammad al-Adnani]], the spokesperson and a senior leader of ISIL.<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/><ref name="FBI"/><ref name=CBS.Cased/> The notebook had bullet holes and blood stains. In the notebook, Rahimi wrote of "killing the [[Kafir|kuffar]]", an Arabic term for unbelievers.<ref name="InspiredBinLaden" />
According to authorities, Rahimi was not part of a [[terrorist cell]], but was motivated and inspired by the [[Jihadism|extremist Islamic ideology]] espoused by [[al-Qaeda]] founder [[Osama bin Laden]] and al-Qaeda chief propagandist [[Anwar al-Awlaki]].<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/> The criminal complaint filed against Rahimi states that Rahimi had a YouTube account in which he listed two jihadist propaganda videos as "favorites" alongside other, unrelated materials.<ref>{{cite web|first=Christopher|last=Mele|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-youtube-account-included-jihad-videos-complaint-says.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's YouTube Account Listed Jihad Videos, Complaint Says|work=The New York Times|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922000533/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-youtube-account-included-jihad-videos-complaint-says.html|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
=={{Anchor|Ahmad Khan Rahimi|Suspect}} Perpetrator==
{{Infobox person
| name = Ahmad Khan Rahimi
| image = Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami surveillance image.jpg
| image_upright = 250px
| caption = Surveillance image of Ahmad Khan Rahimi, who was arrested following a manhunt
| native_name = <!-- احمد خان رحامی --> <!-- Do not uncomment without a reliable source, per WP:BLP -->
| pronunciation =
| birth_name = <!-- only use if different from name above -->
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|01|23|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Kandahar]], [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan]]<ref name=WSJ.Path>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ahmad-khan-rahami-took-long-path-to-radicalization-1474675885|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami Took Long Path to Radicalization|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 23, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first1=Naftali|last1=Bendavid|first2=Tamara|last2=Audi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927091414/http://www.wsj.com/articles/ahmad-khan-rahami-took-long-path-to-radicalization-1474675885|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence = [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]]
| nationality =
| other_names =
| citizenship = American
| education = [[Edison High School (New Jersey)|Edison High School]]
| occupation =
| employer = First American Fried Chicken
| known_for =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=6}}<ref name="FBI"/>
| weight = {{convert|200|lb|kg}}<ref name="FBI"/>
| criminal_charge = Federal charges:
*use of weapon of mass destruction (3 counts)
*bombing of place of public use (2 counts)
*destruction of property by means of fire or explosives (2 counts)
*use of destructive device during and in furtherance of a crime of violence.<ref name=SDNYComplaint/><ref name=DNJComplaint/>
New Jersey State charges:
*[[Attempted murder#United States|attempted murder]] of a law enforcement officer (5 counts)
*second-degree [[Criminal possession of a weapon|unlawful possession of a firearm]]
*second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.<ref name=WABC.Charged/><ref name=Independent.Held>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/new-york-explosion-bomb-blast-live-2016-manhattan-chelsea-bombing-latest-news-updating-a7314361.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami: Suspect held on five attempted murder charges of cops and $5.2 million bail – live updates|work=The Independent|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Adam|last1=Withnall|first2=Samuel|last2=Osborne|first3=Rachel|last3=Revesz|first4=Justin|last4=Carissimo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919001951/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/new-york-explosion-bomb-blast-live-2016-manhattan-chelsea-bombing-latest-news-updating-a7314361.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=CBS.Ordered/>
| criminal_penalty = Incarcerated
| criminal_status = Life without parole
| spouse = <!-- leave blank per [[WP:BLPNAME]] -->
| children = 1<ref name="WhoIsRahami"/> <!-- We only count the child he had with his high school girlfriend. The fate of his second child is unknown, per <ref name="WhoIsRahami"/>. -->
| mother = <!-- may be used (optionally with father parameter) in place of parents parameter (displays "Parent(s)" as label) -->
| module =
| ethnicity =
| denomination = <!-- Denomination should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
}}
===Background===
'''Ahmad Khan Rahimi''' (born January 23, 1988), an [[Afghan American]]<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" /> whose surname was initially reported as Rahami,<ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_CNN/><ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_Reuters/> came to the United States from Afghanistan in 1995,<ref name="ABCDetailsEmerge">{{cite web|first1=Brian|last1=Ross|first2=Rhonda|last2=Schwartz|first3=Mike|last3=Levine|first4=Stephanie|last4=Wash|first5=Michael Edison|last5=Hayden|first6=JJ|last6=Gallagher|first7=Emily|last7=Shapiro|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/source-suspect-wanted-nyc-area-bombing/story?id=42190675|title=Details Emerge About NYC Bomb Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami|work=ABC News|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=November 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120140011/https://abcnews.go.com/US/source-suspect-wanted-nyc-area-bombing/story?id=42190675|archive-date=November 20, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and was naturalized in 2011.<ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_CNN/> He is a native [[Pashto]] speaker.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/>
His father, Mohammad Rahimi, came to the U.S. several years earlier seeking asylum.<ref name="WhoIsRahami" /> According to a neighbor, Rahimi's father, a [[Pashtuns|Pashtun]],<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/> had been part of the anti-Soviet [[Afghan mujahideen|mujahideen]] movement in Afghanistan, and was critical of the [[Taliban]].<ref name="KleinfieldFixture"/> The younger Rahimi may have as many as seven siblings.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="ABCDetailsEmerge"/> Before settling into the U.S., the Rahimi family fled from the then war-torn Afghanistan to [[Pakistan]]. In the U.S., they lived in a number of [[New Jersey]] towns before settling in Elizabeth.<ref name=WSJ.Path/>
Rahimi graduated from [[Edison High School (New Jersey)|Edison High School]] in 2008.<ref name="ArkinSiemaszko">{{cite web | last1=Arkin | first1=William | last2=Johnson | first2=Alex | last3=Siemaszko | first3=Corky | last4=Connor | first4=Tracy | last5=Bailey | first5=Chelsea | last6=Bratu | first6=Becky | title=Ahmad Rahami: What We Know About N.Y., N.J. Bombings Suspect | website=NBC News | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ny-nj-bombings/what-we-know-about-bombing-suspect-ahmad-rahami-n650556 | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919170322/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ny-nj-bombings/what-we-know-about-bombing-suspect-ahmad-rahami-n650556 | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> From 2010 to 2012, he attended [[Middlesex County College]] in [[Edison, New Jersey]], majoring in [[criminal justice]] with alleged aspirations of a future in law enforcement. He dropped out.<ref name="WhoIsRahami" /><ref name="ArkinSiemaszko" /><ref name=CNN.Feud>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/ahmad-rahami-family-identity/|title=Ahmad Rahami's lifelong feud with family and identity|work=CNN|date=September 21, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|first1=Scott|last1=Bronstein|first2=Drew|last2=Griffin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927124157/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/ahmad-rahami-family-identity/|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Rahimi's friends described him as a generous person who was never devoutly religious and would invite his friends to eat and conduct [[rap battles]] at his family's [[fried chicken]] restaurant—First American Fried Chicken in Elizabeth, {{convert|15|mi|km}} from New York City. To some, he was known as Mad, short for Ahmad. A classmate from Edison High described him as quiet, mild-mannered, well-dressed, and "not abrasive, [but] funny" whenever he spoke.<ref name=Yahoo.Recalls/> In recent years, though, he seemed to be a "completely different person" who was more stern than before and less easygoing.<ref name=WSJ.Path/><ref name="KleinfieldFixture">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect.html|title=Ahmad Rahami: Fixture in Family's Business and, Lately, a 'Completely Different Person'|last=Kleinfield|first=N. R.|date=September 19, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919203534/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=Yahoo.Recalls>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/ahmad-khan-rahami-high-school-classmate-recalls-bomb-suspect-as-funny-calls-allegations-shocking-230921548.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami high school classmate recalls bomb suspect as ‘funny’; calls allegations ‘shocking’|work=Yahoo! News|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first=Caitlin|last=Dickson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920151921/https://www.yahoo.com/news/ahmad-khan-rahami-high-school-classmate-recalls-bomb-suspect-as-funny-calls-allegations-shocking-230921548.html|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Also, in elementary school, Ahmad's teacher complained to Mohammad that his son was "act[ing] like a king in class". Ahmad broke a friend's nose while in junior high.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/nyregion/journey-from-class-clown-to-suspect-in-chelsea-bombing.html|title=Journey From Class Clown to Suspect in Chelsea Bombing|work=The New York Times|date=September 24, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|first1=Kim|last1=Barker|first2=Pir Zubair|last2=Shah|first3=Joseph|last3=Goldstein|first4=Jessica|last4=Silver-Greenberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928141743/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/nyregion/journey-from-class-clown-to-suspect-in-chelsea-bombing.html|archive-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
While at Edison High, he started a relationship with a classmate from the [[Dominican Republic]], which culminated in them having a daughter together in 2007, during Rahimi's senior year. According to people close to the Rahimis, this upset Mohammad Rahimi, who refused to meet his granddaughter or the mother, and had been disapproving of the relationship due to expectations that his son would marry a cousin in Afghanistan. In March 2008, after returning from his first trip in Pakistan, he moved in with his girlfriend's family and got a job at a [[Kmart]] store. Rahimi's girlfriend later ended the relationship and sued him for child support. This reportedly depressed Rahimi, who subsequently returned to his family, and damaged his relationship with his father.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/><ref name=LATimes.Melting>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-new-york-rahami-snap-story.html|title=New York bombing suspect was at home in the American melting pot – until he met a girl named Maria|work=The Los Angeles Times|date=September 25, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|first=Barbara|last=Demick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930065830/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-new-york-rahami-snap-story.html|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The Rahimi family had a history of disputes with the City of Elizabeth over their restaurant's operating hours, claiming that the city was discriminating against them because of their ethnicity and because they were Muslim.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="WhoIsRahami">{{cite web | last=Shoichet | first=Catherine E. | title=Ahmad Khan Rahami: What we know about the bombing suspect | website=CNN | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-khan-rahami/index.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919152148/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-khan-rahami/index.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-khan-rahami-family-claimed-anti-muslim-harassment-article-1.2798329|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami’s family claimed anti-Muslim harassment over their fast food restaurant|last1=Sandoval|first1=Edgar|last2=Silverstein|first2=Jason|date=September 19, 2016|website=The New York Daily News|access-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920185808/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-khan-rahami-family-claimed-anti-muslim-harassment-article-1.2798329|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> They filed a lawsuit against the city in 2011, in which they alleged harassment and religious discrimination by police and officials who would force them to close early. Mayor [[J. Christian Bollwage]] said the longstanding issues were caused by a series of complaints from neighbors, who reported noise and large crowds gathering at the restaurant late at night. The city later barred all takeout restaurants, including the Rahimis', from operating past 10:00 p.m. In 2009, two of Rahimi's brothers were arrested for attempting to record a conversation with police, according to court papers.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/family_of_bombing_suspect_sued_elizabeth_for_discr.html|title=Bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami's family sued Elizabeth for anti-Muslim harassment|work=NJ.com|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first=Stephen|last=Stirling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921085853/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/family_of_bombing_suspect_sued_elizabeth_for_discr.html|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=Reuters.Clashed>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/york-bombing-suspects-family-clashed-jersey-city-over-182517173.html|title=New York bomb suspect's family clashed with New Jersey city over restaurant|publisher=Yahoo! News|agency=Reuters|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=David|last1=Ingram|first2=Joseph|last2=Ax|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920141054/https://www.yahoo.com/news/york-bombing-suspects-family-clashed-jersey-city-over-182517173.html|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=WashPost.Arrested>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/18/three-mysterious-incidents-in-new-york-new-jersey-and-minnesota-raise-fears-of-terrorism/|title=Suspect in N.Y., N.J. bombings arrested after shootout; FBI says 'no indication' of terror cell|work=The Washington Post|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Renae|last1=Merle|first2=Matt|last2=Zapotosky|first3=Amy B.|last3=Wang|first4=Mark|last4=Berman|first5=Ellen|last5=Nakashima|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919035737/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/18/three-mysterious-incidents-in-new-york-new-jersey-and-minnesota-raise-fears-of-terrorism/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Rahimi lived above the restaurant with his family.<ref name="KleinfieldFixture"/>
In July 2016, Rahimi passed the required background check and legally purchased the [[Glock]] [[9 mm]] handgun he used in the [[2016 New_York_and_New_Jersey_bombings#Discovery,_shootout,_and_arrest|subsequent shootout]], from a [[Federal Firearms License|licensed dealer]] in [[Salem, Virginia]].<ref name="NakashimaBermanWan">{{cite web|first1=Ellen|last1=Nakashima|first2=Mark|last2=Berman|first3=William|last3=Wan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/20/new-york-bombing-suspect-charged-with-using-weapons-of-mass-destruction/|title=Ahmad Rahami, suspected New York bomber, cited al-Qaeda and ISIS, officials say|work=The Washington Post|date=September 21, 2016|accessdate=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922063827/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/20/new-york-bombing-suspect-charged-with-using-weapons-of-mass-destruction/|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
====Legal troubles====
At one time, Rahimi was licensed to carry firearms. In August 2014, he, at that time living in [[Perth Amboy, New Jersey]], was charged with [[aggravated assault]] and [[unlawful possession of a weapon]] in [[Union County, New Jersey|Union County]]. The charges arose from allegations that Rahimi had stabbed his brother in the leg, after the victim and another brother attempted to stop Rahimi from assaulting their mother and sister "for no apparent reason". Rahimi was reported by two of his siblings the next day and spent three months in the Union County Jail, but was reported to have [[bail]]ed. A [[grand jury]] declined to make an [[indictment]], and the charges were dropped on September 22.<ref name="KleinfieldFixture" /><ref name="ArkinSiemaszko" /><ref name=NJ.Violence>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/hold_ahmad_rahami_attacked_sister_stabbed_brother.html|title=Details emerge of Ahmad Khan Rahami's alleged history of violence toward family|work=NJ.com|date=September 28, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first=Tom|last=Haydon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001025314/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/hold_ahmad_rahami_attacked_sister_stabbed_brother.html|archive-date=October 1, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
A "high-ranking law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation" said Rahimi had spent two additional days in jail, one in February 2012 for allegedly violating a [[restraining order]], and another in October 2008 for failure to pay traffic tickets.<ref name="KleinfieldFixture" />
Rahimi's father Mohammad had tried to contact the FBI about his son around August 2014, but two months later, Rahimi was cleared by the FBI. One reason cited was that Mohammad had stated that he was merely angry over the August domestic incident when he reported his son, so he had denied his previous statement.<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/><ref name=NJ.Violence/> In an interview with ''[[The New York Times]]'', Mohammad claimed that he had seen his son watching videos made by [[al-Qaeda]] and the Taliban and asked him to stop. However, the FBI later said Mohammad never informed them of what he had seen.<ref name=CBS.Views>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ahmad-rahami-new-york-new-jersey-bombing-suspect-family-may-have-pro-jihadist-views/|title=NYC bombing suspect's family may have also had pro-jihadist views|work=CBS News|date=September 23, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003090459/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ahmad-rahami-new-york-new-jersey-bombing-suspect-family-may-have-pro-jihadist-views/|archive-date=October 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=NYTimes.Journey/>
On September 20 — the day after his arrest — Rahimi's estranged ex-girlfriend, and the mother of his daughter, filed a petition in a New Jersey state court seeking full custody of the child, citing Rahimi as being a possible participant in "terrorist related activity" in New York City. She also filed to change her child's name, as well as to force the media not to contact her or her daughter. The petition for custody was granted the following day, though the request to change the daughter's name was denied, as was the request for media not to contact her, because "the court said it had no authority to grant the requests." Rahimi and the mother of his child had engaged in a long-running battle, as Rahimi owed her more than $3,000 in child support in 2015; she had previously gotten a restraining order against Rahimi.<ref name="ConnorCustody">{{cite web | last=Connor | first=Tracy | title=Bomb suspect Ahmad Rahami's ex-girlfriend awarded custody of their child | website=NBC News | date=September 20, 2016 | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bomb-suspect-ahmad-rahami-s-ex-files-custody-their-child-n651341 | accessdate=September 21, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921115528/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bomb-suspect-ahmad-rahami-s-ex-files-custody-their-child-n651341 | archive-date=September 21, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Pillets">{{cite web | last=Pillets | first=Jeff | title=Edison woman awarded custody of child with accused bomber | website=NorthJersey.com | date=September 21, 2016 | url=http://www.northjersey.com/cm/2.1593/news/edison-woman-awarded-custody-of-child-with-accused-bomber-1.1663830 | accessdate=September 21, 2016}}</ref>
====Overseas travels and return to U.S.====
Rahimi, reportedly, went back to Afghanistan several times (including for an extended period starting in 2012), and "showed signs of [[radicalization]]" afterwards.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="KleinfieldFixture"/> The trips were reportedly arranged by Rahimi's pious father, who was concerned about his son being "too Americanized".<ref name=LATimes.Melting/> Rahimi and members of his family also made several trips to Pakistan, where they had Afghan relatives living as refugees.<ref name="ArkinSiemaszko" /><ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/19/us-authorities-investigating-new-jersey-explosive-devices-live-updates|title=New York bombings: Ahmad Khan Rahami charged with attempted murder – as it happened|work=The Guardian|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|first1=Haroon|last1=Siddique|first2=Martin|last2=Pengelly|first3=Alan|last3=Yuhas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920005406/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/19/us-authorities-investigating-new-jersey-explosive-devices-live-updates|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to a family friend, Rahimi claimed that his father took away his passport while he was sleeping and left him alone in a foreign country.<ref name=CNN.Feud/><ref name=LATimes.Melting/>
Rahimi and a brother spent several weeks in the Pakistani cities of [[Quetta]] and nearby [[Kuchlak]],<ref name=CNN.Feud/><ref name=TalibanSeminary>{{cite news|last1=Boone|first1=Jon|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami spent time at Pakistan seminary tied to Taliban|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/23/ahmad-khan-rahami-pakistan-taliban-new-york-bombing-terrorism|accessdate=September 24, 2016|agency=The Guardian|date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923234645/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/23/ahmad-khan-rahami-pakistan-taliban-new-york-bombing-terrorism|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> as well as [[Kandahar, Afghanistan]]. At Quetta, which is home to a large population of [[Afghans in Pakistan|Afghan immigrants]] and some Taliban members-in-exile,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect-visits-to-pakistan-and-afghanistan-a7317546.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami: Bombing suspect's 'personality changed after visits to Pakistan and Afghanistan'|work=The Independent|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|first=Andrew|last=Buncombe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920032114/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect-visits-to-pakistan-and-afghanistan-a7317546.html|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> he was in an [[arranged marriage]] with a Pakistani woman,<ref name=CBS.Cased/><ref name="WhoIsRahami"/> believed to be his cousin,<ref name=CNN.Feud/><ref name=LATimes.Melting/> in July 2011,<ref name=TalibanSeminary/> and had a son with her in 2014.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/><ref name=LATimes.Melting/> The son's fate is unknown.<ref name="WhoIsRahami"/> Rahimi also went under the wing of a local radical cleric, according to a close relative in Afghanistan.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/> Following Rahimi's arrest, a spokesman for the Afghan Taliban said the group had no connection with him.<ref name=WSJ.Path/>
In Kuchlak, Rahimi attended an Afghan-run [[Naqshbandi]] [[madrasa|religious seminary]] closely associated with the Taliban movement, where he took lectures in Islamic education for three weeks. Rahimi remained in Pakistan from April 2013 to March 2014, and traveled to Afghanistan during the period.<ref name=TalibanSeminary/> Following his near-year-long stay in the region, he underwent additional screening. On both occasions, he stated that he visited family members and was cleared by [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement|immigration and customs officials]].<ref name="FBI">{{cite news|title=The FBI looked into suspected bomber Ahmad Rahami in 2014 and found no ‘ties to terrorism’|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/19/bombing-suspect-charged-with-attempted-murder-of-a-law-enforcement-officer-with-further-charges-expected/|accessdate=29 September 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 20, 2016|first1=Ellen|last1=Nakashima|first2=Matt|last2=Zapotosky|first3=Mark|last3=Berman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920122825/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/19/bombing-suspect-charged-with-attempted-murder-of-a-law-enforcement-officer-with-further-charges-expected/|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="WhoIsRahami" /> The FBI did not find any signs of ties to terrorism during background checks.<ref name="FBI"/>
According to a childhood friend, Rahimi grew a beard, started wearing more religious clothing following his trips to Afghanistan, and began praying in the back of his family's restaurant.<ref name=Yahoo.Recalls/><ref name=Reuters.Clashed/> When the mobile phone from West 27th Street was examined, investigators found that Rahimi had posted [[Jihadism|jihadist]] writings on various websites.<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /> In addition, his handwritten journal was found, expressing a desire to become a martyr.<ref>{{cite news|title=Suspect vowed to martyr himself|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Suspect-vowed-to-martyr-himself-9235600.php|accessdate=21 September 2017|work=Houston Chronicle|agency=The Associated Press|date=20 September 2016|quote=Rahami's journal included a passage that said: "You (USA Government) continue your (unintelligible) slaught(er)" against the mujahideen, or holy warriors, in Afghanistan and elsewhere. "Death to your oppression," the journal ended. One portion expressed concern at the prospect of being caught before being able to carry out a suicide attack and the desire to be a martyr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922052016/http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Suspect-vowed-to-martyr-himself-9235600.php|archive-date=September 22, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> However, it was "not known whether he had any links to an overseas terror organization, or whether he had been inspired by such organizations and their propaganda efforts, as others have been."<ref name="HuntforRahami" /> One intelligence source said Rahimi may have been self-radicalized.<ref name="FBI"/>
In June 2016, Rahimi's wife left the United States,<ref name=WifeIsBack4Questioning/><ref>{{cite news|title=New York bombing suspect's mother, brother detained in Afghanistan, father says|url=http://abc7ny.com/news/ahmad-rahamis-dad-speaks-out-in-abc-news-interview/1529986/|accessdate=September 30, 2016|agency=ABC News|date=September 28, 2016|first1=Brian|last1=Ross|first2=Megan|last2=Christie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929140801/http://abc7ny.com/news/ahmad-rahamis-dad-speaks-out-in-abc-news-interview/1529986/|archive-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> planning to return September 21.<ref>{{cite news|title=Investigators: Ahmad Rahami went to family home after Chelsea bombing|url=http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/22/politics/ahmad-rahami-timeline-details/|accessdate=September 23, 2016|agency=CNN|date=September 22, 2016|first1=Evan|last1=Perez|first2=Shimon|last2=Prokupecz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924012846/http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/22/politics/ahmad-rahami-timeline-details/|archive-date=September 24, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On September 19, following her husband's arrest, she was stopped by the [[United Arab Emirates]] authorities. Two days later, she returned to New York and was questioned by the investigators.<ref name=WifeIsBack4Questioning>{{cite web|first=Jessica|last=Remo|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_rahamis_wife_back_in_us_for_questioning.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's wife is back in U.S. for questioning|work=[[NJ.com]]|date=September 22, 2016|accessdate=September 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923101702/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_rahamis_wife_back_in_us_for_questioning.html|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The wife was cooperative and not accused of wrongdoing.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Catherine E.|last1=Shoichet|first2=Shimon|last2=Prokupecz|first3=Evan|last3=Perez|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-wife/|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's wife left US before bombings|publisher=CNN|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921195435/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-wife/|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===Events of September 18–19===
[[File:SEEKING INFORMATION Ahmad Khan Rahami.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Notice published by the New York FBI, before arrest]]
====Manhunt====
After stopping the five men on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, FBI agents and Elizabeth police searched Rahimi's home in the early morning of September 18.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="WhoIsRahami" /> The FBI asked for public assistance in detaining Rahimi for questioning in connection with the bombings in Manhattan and Seaside Park, as well as the attempted overnight bombing in Elizabeth.<ref name="HuntforRahami"/>
At 7:39 a.m. on September 19, the NYPD posted a "Wanted" poster of Rahimi on [[Twitter]].<ref name="Willingham 2016"/> Seventeen minutes later, the [[Wireless Emergency Alerts|Wireless Emergency Alert system]] was used to send an alert message to the mobile phones of millions of people in New York City, marking the first time New York City used the emergency alert to search for a named suspect.<ref name="Willingham 2016">{{cite web | last=Willingham | first=AJ | title=The amazingly quick capture of Ahmad Rahami | website=CNN | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-rahami-capture-timeline-trnd/index.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919165152/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-rahami-capture-timeline-trnd/index.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="GoodmanMassAlert">{{cite web | last1=Goodman | first1=J. David | last2=Gelles | first2=David | title=Cellphone Alerts Used in New York to Search for Bombing Suspect | website=The New York Times | date=September 19, 2016 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/cellphone-alerts-used-in-search-of-manhattan-bombing-suspect.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919230408/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/cellphone-alerts-used-in-search-of-manhattan-bombing-suspect.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The alert message read, "WANTED: Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28-yr-old male. See media for pic. Call 9-1-1 if seen."<ref name="GoodmanMassAlert"/> Mayor de Blasio said, "Anyone who sees this individual or knows anything about him or his whereabouts needs to call it in right away."<ref name=":1" /><ref name="Willingham 2016"/><ref name=BBCRahamiIsTheSuspect>{{cite news|title=New York bombing suspect named as Ahmad Khan Rahami|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37409441|accessdate=September 19, 2016|publisher=BBC News|date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919122343/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37409441|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Authorities said that Rahimi might be armed and dangerous.<ref name="HuntforRahami"/><ref name=":1" /><ref name="Willingham 2016"/><ref name=BBCRahamiIsTheSuspect/> Law enforcement put him on some [[terror watchlist]]s to prevent him from leaving the United States.<ref name="CapturedCNN" />
Concurrently, authorities started searching Rahimi's home in Elizabeth. The New Jersey State Police released two tweets, one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 10:56 a.m., both stating that Rahimi was wanted in connection with the Seaside Park and Elizabeth bombs.<ref name="Willingham 2016"/>
====Discovery, shootout, and arrest====
At around 10:30 a.m., a Linden bar owner was in a deli across the street from his bar, watching [[CNN]], when he saw a man sleeping in the bar's doorway. He recognized the man as Rahimi from news reports and called [[9-1-1]], saying "the guy looks a little suspicious and doesn't look good to me."<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Richmond|first1=Kait|title=Sikh man who found bombing suspect: 'I did what every American would have done'|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/harinder-bains-sikh-faith-trnd/index.html|accessdate=September 24, 2016|agency=CNN|date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923185031/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/harinder-bains-sikh-faith-trnd/index.html|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> When three Linden police officers arrived fifteen minutes later and awoke the man, they realized that the man was Rahimi.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name=CBS.Ordered/>
An officer ordered Rahimi to show his hands.<ref name=LindenRespondingOfficersNames>{{cite news|title='We caught a terrorist' says proud new Linden chief|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_press_conference.html|accessdate=September 20, 2016|publisher=NJ.com|date=September 19, 2016|first1=Tom|last1=Haydon|first2=Jessica|last2=Remo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923065404/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_press_conference.html|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Rahimi disregarded the order,<ref name=LindenRespondingOfficersNames/> retrieved a Glock 9 mm handgun,<ref name="NakashimaBermanWan"/> and shot the officer in the abdomen, striking his [[bulletproof vest]].<ref name=LindenRespondingOfficersNames/> The policeman returned fire and Rahimi fled, with police pursuing him.<ref name="HuntforRahami"/> Rahimi fired back indiscriminately.<ref name=WABC.Charged/> He encountered a second policeman seated in his vehicle, and fired into the windshield;<ref name="InspiredBinLaden" /> The officer was grazed in the head and struck by flying glass, then shot in the hand. None of the officers' injuries or conditions were serious.<ref name="CapturedCNN"/><ref name=WABC.Charged/><ref name=":1" /> During the shootout, Rahimi was shot at least seven times, hit in his liver<ref>{{cite news|last1=Remo|first1=Jessica|title=The case against accused bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi: Here's what happens next|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|accessdate=16 October 2016|publisher=nj.com|date=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018133146/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|archive-date=October 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and an artery,<ref>{{cite news|last1=McCarthy|first1=Craig|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami shot at least 7 times in Linden arrest, authorities say|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_shot_7_times_in_linden_arrest_au.html|accessdate=September 24, 2016|agency=NJ.com|date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927010319/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_shot_7_times_in_linden_arrest_au.html|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and sustained a shoulder wound.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="HuntforRahami"/><ref name=WABC.Charged/>
Rahimi was finally arrested, shortly before noon, and transported to [[University Hospital (Newark, New Jersey)|University Hospital]] by ambulance.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="Sandoval Silverstein 2016">{{cite web | last1=Sandoval | first1=Edgar | last2=Marcius | first2=Chelsia Rose | last3=Rayman | first3=Graham | title=Cops arrest New Jersey resident Ahmad Khan Rahami, wanted for NYC and N.J. bombings, after he shoots police officer | website=The New York Daily News | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/man-wanted-nyc-nj-bombings-arrested-shooting-police-officer-article-1.2797960 | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919231811/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/man-wanted-nyc-nj-bombings-arrested-shooting-police-officer-article-1.2797960 | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=WABC.Charged>{{cite web|url=http://abc7ny.com/news/bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami-captured-in-linden-charged-with-attempted-murder/1517053/|title=Bombing Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami Captured in Linden, Charged With 5 Counts Attempted Murder|work=WABC-TV|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923054926/http://abc7ny.com/news/bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami-captured-in-linden-charged-with-attempted-murder/1517053/|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He underwent numerous surgeries<ref name=FedsPickedHimUpPIX11/> and was in critical but stable condition.<ref name=CBS.Ordered>{{cite web|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/19/chelsea-blast-suspect/|title=Suspect In Chelsea, Seaside Park Explosions Ordered Held; Investigators Say 'No Indication' Of Broader Cell|work=CBS Local|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919205216/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/19/chelsea-blast-suspect/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New York bombing: Investigators seek 2 witnesses|url=http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/|accessdate=September 22, 2016|agency=CNN|date=September 21, 2016|first1=Evan|last1=Perez|first2=Shimon|last2=Prokupecz|first3=Amanda|last3=Wills|first4=Emanuella|last4=Grinberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922130923/http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The severity of Rahimi's injuries made his ultimate survival uncertain.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Pete|title=Bombing Defendant, Ahmad Khan Rahimi, Charged with Attempted Murder|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bombing-defendant-ahmad-khan-rahimi-charged-attempted-murder-n665946|accessdate=16 October 2016|agency=NBC News|date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016101458/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bombing-defendant-ahmad-khan-rahimi-charged-attempted-murder-n665946|archive-date=October 16, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Officer Angel Padilla was released from the hospital that night, and Officer Peter Hammer, shot while in his car, was released the next day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Officers hurt in bombing suspect's takedown released from hospital|url=http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/officers-hurt-in-bombing-suspects-takedown-released-from-hospital/|accessdate=September 30, 2016|agency=Associated Press|publisher=PIX11|date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929001952/http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/officers-hurt-in-bombing-suspects-takedown-released-from-hospital/|archive-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Following Rahimi's arrest, investigators said there was "no indication" he was part of a broader terror cell,<ref name=CBS.Ordered/> nor that such a cell was "operating in the area."<ref name=WashPost.Arrested/> Rahimi was said to be initially uncooperative during interrogations.<ref name="CapturedCNN" />
===Prosecution===
====Federal trial and conviction====
On September 20, Rahimi was charged in the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of New York|U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York]] in Manhattan, by [[criminal complaint]], with four [[federal crime]]s including [[Weapon of mass destruction#Criminal (civilian)|use of weapons of mass destruction]] (count one); bombing a place of public use (count two); destruction of property by means of fire or explosives (count three); and use of a [[destructive device]] during and in furtherance of a crime of violence (count four).<ref name=SDNYComplaint>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/file/894486/download |title=Criminal Complaint |work=United States v. Ahmad Khan Rahami |publisher=[[United States District Court for the Southern District of New York]] |date=September 20, 2016 |accessdate=September 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924104112/https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/file/894486/download |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On the same day, the [[United States District Court for the District of New Jersey|U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] charged him with use of a weapon of mass destruction (counts one and two), bombings of a place of public use and public transportation system (count three), and attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive (count four).<ref name=DNJComplaint>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/file/894476/download |title=Criminal Complaint |work=United States v. Ahmad Khan Rahami |publisher=[[United States District Court for the District of New Jersey]] |date=September 20, 2016 |accessdate=September 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924103743/https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/file/894476/download |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Federal charges filed against Chelsea, NJ bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami|url=http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/federal-charges-filed-against-chelsea-nj-bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami/|accessdate=September 20, 2016|agency=PIX11|date=September 20, 2016|first1=Alyssa|last1=Zauderer|first2=Narmeen|last2=Choudhury|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922125718/http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/federal-charges-filed-against-chelsea-nj-bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami/|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On September 26, Rahimi's father and wife retained the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] (ACLU) to defend him on the federal charges. The ACLU represented Rahimi until he was given a [[federal public defender]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/27/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-father-and-wife-hire-aclu-to-defend-him.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's Father and Wife Retain A.C.L.U. to Defend Him|work=The New York Times|date=September 27, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first1=Benjamin|last1=Weiser|first2=Eli|last2=Rosenberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930043026/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/27/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-father-and-wife-hire-aclu-to-defend-him.html|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> An assistant federal public defender represented Rahimi at trial.<ref>Associated Press, [http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-york/2017/10/16/chelsea-bombing-ahmad-khan-rahimi-found-guilty-nyc-bombings-hurt-30/767869001/ Chelsea bombings: Ahmad Khan Rahimi found guilty in NYC bombings that hurt 30] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227062910/http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-york/2017/10/16/chelsea-bombing-ahmad-khan-rahimi-found-guilty-nyc-bombings-hurt-30/767869001/ |date=December 27, 2017 }} (October 16, 2017).</ref>
On November 10, after Rahimi had been moved into federal custody in Manhattan, he made an initial appearance in the Manhattan federal court to face terrorism charges. Rahimi's lawyer said in court that Rahimi had eight to ten surgeries and had liver damage.<ref name=FedsPickedHimUpPIX11>{{cite news|last1=Chasan|first1=Aliza|title=Chelsea bombing suspect appears in Manhattan Federal Court for first time|url=http://pix11.com/2016/11/10/chelsea-bombing-suspect-to-appear-in-manhattan-federal-court-for-first-time/|accessdate=November 10, 2016|agency=PIX11|date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111061404/http://pix11.com/2016/11/10/chelsea-bombing-suspect-to-appear-in-manhattan-federal-court-for-first-time/|archive-date=November 11, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Raymond|first1=Nate|title=Accused New York bomber faces charges in federal court|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-new-york-idUSKBN1351N0|accessdate=November 10, 2016|agency=Reuters|date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110142349/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-new-york-idUSKBN1351N0|archive-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Federal authorities argued that Rahimi was well enough to be in regular custody.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Neumeister|first1=Larry|title=Ahmad Khan Rahimi Makes First Manhattan Court Appearance in Chelsea Bombing Case|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ahmad-Khan-Rahami-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Court-New-York-City-Manhattan-Rahimi-400681351.html|accessdate=November 10, 2016|agency=NBC New York|date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111123023/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ahmad-Khan-Rahami-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Court-New-York-City-Manhattan-Rahimi-400681351.html|archive-date=November 11, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On November 16, Rahimi was indicted by a federal grand jury in Manhattan on eight criminal counts including use of a weapon of mass destruction; attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction; bombing a place of public use; destruction of property by means of fire or explosion; attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosion; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; use of a destructive device during, and in furtherance of, a crime of violence (two counts).<ref>{{cite press release|title=Ahmad Khan Rahimi Indicted In Manhattan Federal Court On Terrorism Charges|url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ahmad-khan-rahimi-indicted-manhattan-federal-court-terrorism-charges|accessdate=November 16, 2016|agency=U.S. Department of Justice|publisher=[[U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York]]|date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117064653/https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ahmad-khan-rahimi-indicted-manhattan-federal-court-terrorism-charges|archive-date=November 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A day later, Rahimi pleaded not guilty on all of the charges before U.S. District Judge [[Richard M. Berman]].<ref name=Reuters.Pleads>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-attacks-new-york-idUSL1N1DI11P|title=Accused New York City bomber pleads not guilty|agency=Reuters|date=November 17, 2016|accessdate=November 17, 2016|first1=Joseph|last1=Ax|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119140401/http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-attacks-new-york-idUSL1N1DI11P|archive-date=November 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In April 2017, the defense team filed a motion for a [[change of venue]], requesting that the trial be held in [[Burlington, Vermont]]. They argued that the extensive pre-trial publicity in New York would prevent their client from getting a fair trial in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea Bombing Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi Wants Trial Moved to Vermont|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Ahmad-Rahimi-Wants-Trial-Moved-to-Vermont-418446713.html|publisher=NBC 4 New York|date=April 5, 2017|access-date=April 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414162340/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Ahmad-Rahimi-Wants-Trial-Moved-to-Vermont-418446713.html|archive-date=April 14, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The court denied this motion the following month.<ref>Victoria Bekiempis, [http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/judge-denies-bid-move-chelsea-bombing-trial-n-y-article-1.3148303 New York judge rejects bid to move Chelsea bombing trial to another state] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511213228/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/judge-denies-bid-move-chelsea-bombing-trial-n-y-article-1.3148303 |date=May 11, 2017 }}, ''New York Daily News'' (May 8, 2017).</ref>
On October 16, 2017, after a two-week jury trial, Rahimi was found guilty of all eight charges in federal court in New York. The [[Mandatory sentencing|mandatory]] sentence is [[life without parole]].<ref>{{cite news|authors=Ellie Kaufman, Lauren del Valle & Lawrence Crook III|title=Ahmad Rahimi found guilty in Chelsea bombing trial|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/16/us/ahmad-rahimi-verdict/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=October 16, 2017|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016185153/http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/16/us/ahmad-rahimi-verdict/index.html|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Wilson">Michael Wilson, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/16/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-verdict.html Chelsea Bomb Suspect Guilty in Attack That Sowed Terror Across Region] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223141332/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/16/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-verdict.html |date=December 23, 2017 }}, ''New York Times'' (October 16, 2017).</ref> Rahimi was removed from the courtroom during opening statements after making repeated outbursts.<ref>Associated Press, [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/10/accused_bomber_rahimi_tossed_from_courtroom.html Accused bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi thrown out of court during trial] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227124634/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/10/accused_bomber_rahimi_tossed_from_courtroom.html |date=December 27, 2017 }} (October 2, 2017).</ref> During the trial, the government introduced into evidence Rahimi's fingerprints and DNA on unexploded bombs and bomb debris; videotape of Rahimi pulling the luggage containing the bombs; and testimony from detectives, computer analysts, and others.<ref name="Wilson"/> The government also presented as evidence a journal carried by Rahimi at the time of his arrest that read: "Everything had to be done quietly and I had to lie to cover my tracks. The sounds of the bombs will be heard in the streets. Gun shots to your police. Death to your oppression." The government also presented evidence from Rahimi's Internet bookmarks, which included bomb-making guides that appeared in al-Qaeda propaganda.<ref>Michael Wilson, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial-closing-argument.html Prosecutors Say Chelsea Bombing Suspect Had 'Evil in His Heart'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227123212/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial-closing-argument.html |date=December 27, 2017 }}, ''New York Times'' (October 12, 2017).</ref><ref>Michael Wilson, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial.html Key Evidence in Chelsea Bombing Trial: Articles on Building Bombs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227180330/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial.html |date=December 27, 2017 }}, ''New York Times'' (October 3, 2017).</ref> A juror interviewed following the verdict called the evidence of guilt overwhelming.<ref name="Wilson"/> Officials also stated that he tried to convert other jailers to extremist ideologies before and during the trial.<ref>{{cite web | last=Weiser | first=Benjamin | title=Convicted Bomber Tried to Radicalize Fellow Inmates, Officials Say | website=The New York Times | date=October 16, 2017 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/22/nyregion/convicted-bomber-tried-to-radicalize-fellow-inmates-officials-say.html | access-date=February 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214093152/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/22/nyregion/convicted-bomber-tried-to-radicalize-fellow-inmates-officials-say.html | archive-date=February 14, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> On February 13, 2018, Rahimi was sentenced to life in prison without parole.<ref>{{cite web | last=Fedschun | first=Travis | title=Chelsea bomber gets multiple life prison sentences for New York blast that injured 30 | website=Fox News | date=February 13, 2018 | url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/13/chelsea-bomber-sentenced-to-multiple-terms-life-in-prison-for-new-york-blast-that-injured-30.html | access-date=February 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214001824/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/13/chelsea-bomber-sentenced-to-multiple-terms-life-in-prison-for-new-york-blast-that-injured-30.html | archive-date=February 14, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title="Chelsea bomber" Ahmad Khan Rahimi gets life in prison for NYC, N.J. blasts | website=CBS News | date=February 13, 2018 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chelsea-bomber-ahmad-khan-rahimi-gets-life-in-prison-for-nyc-n-j-blasts/ | access-date=February 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213221733/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chelsea-bomber-ahmad-khan-rahimi-gets-life-in-prison-for-nyc-n-j-blasts/ | archive-date=February 13, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
====State prosecution====
On the night of September 19, Rahimi was charged in [[New Jersey Superior Court]] with five counts of [[attempted murder]] of a law enforcement officer in relation to the shootout in Linden. He was also charged with second-degree [[unlawful possession of a weapon]] and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, both in relation to the handgun found in his possession.<ref name="FBI"/><ref name=WABC.Charged/><ref name=WashPost.Arrested/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/09/explosion-chelsea-new-york/500498/|title=What We Know: The Explosions in New York and New Jersey|work=The Atlantic|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Matt|last1=Ford|first2=Krishnadev|last2=Calamur|first3=Marina|last3=Koren|first4=Matt|last4=Vasilogambros|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919121655/http://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/09/explosion-chelsea-new-york/500498/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On October 13, after a delay caused by his ongoing recovery from [[#Discovery, shootout, and arrest|gunshot wounds]], Rahimi appeared, by teleconference, in New Jersey State Court to plead not guilty to the charges against him.<ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_CNN>{{cite news|last1=Sanchez|first1=Ray|title=Bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi pleads not guilty|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-pleads-not-guilty/index.html|accessdate=October 13, 2016|agency=CNN|date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014061613/http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-pleads-not-guilty/index.html|archive-date=October 14, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_Reuters>{{cite news|last1=Ax|first1=Joseph|title=Accused New York bomber pleads not guilty from hospital bed|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-plea-idUSKCN12D2OU|accessdate=October 13, 2016|agency=Reuters|date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013210719/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-plea-idUSKCN12D2OU|archive-date=October 13, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=NJ.Next>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|title=The case against accused bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi: Here's what happens next|work=NJ.com|date=October 14, 2016|accessdate=October 19, 2016|first=Jessica|last=Remo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019034000/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On October 18, Rahimi was moved from the hospital to the [[New Jersey State Prison]] in [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]].<ref>{{cite news|title=NY, NJ bomb suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi out of hospital, into prison|url=http://abc7ny.com/news/ny-nj-bomb-suspect-out-of-hospital-into-prison/1561551/|accessdate=18 October 2016|agency=WABC Eyewitness News|date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019151208/http://abc7ny.com/news/ny-nj-bomb-suspect-out-of-hospital-into-prison/1561551/|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On November 10, ahead of hearings in his case, Rahimi was moved from the medical unit at Trenton State Prison to the [[Metropolitan Correctional Center, New York|Metropolitan Correctional Center]] in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Benjamin|last1=Weiser|first2=Adam|last2=Goldman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/11/nyregion/ahmad-rahami-manhattan-bombing-suspect-court.html|title=Ahmad Rahami, Manhattan Bombing Suspect, Makes His First Court Appearance|work=The New York Times|date=November 10, 2016|accessdate=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116051033/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/11/nyregion/ahmad-rahami-manhattan-bombing-suspect-court.html|archive-date=November 16, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Marisa|last1=Iati|first2=Jessica|last2=Remo|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/11/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_pleads_not_guilt.html|title=Bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi doesn't enter a plea on weapons charges|work=[[NJ.com]]|date=November 10, 2016|accessdate=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113075604/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/11/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_pleads_not_guilt.html|archive-date=November 13, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Response==
[[File:New-york-governor-cuomo.webm|thumb|thumbtime=1|VOA - A portion of Governor Cuomo's press conference]]
Governor Cuomo released a statement following the Manhattan bombing, saying, "We are closely monitoring the situation and urge New Yorkers to, as always, remain calm and vigilant."<ref name="NYT"/> The day following the bombing, Cuomo and de Blasio toured the damage together.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/>
[[Hamdullah Mohib]], Afghanistan's ambassador to the U.S., released a statement saying the Afghan government condemned the bombings and promising the country's cooperation with the investigation.<ref name=WashPost.Arrested/>
In a statement, the [[Council on American–Islamic Relations]] welcomed the arrest of Rahimi, saying, "American Muslims, like all Americans, reject extremism and violence, and seek a safe and secure nation. Our nation is most secure when we remain united and reject the fear-mongering and guilt by association often utilized following such attacks."<ref name=WashPost.Arrested/>
Security was boosted across New York City's five [[Borough (New York City)|boroughs]] as a precaution.<ref name="CNN"/> Cuomo said that, while there was no ongoing threat, he would deploy 1,000 additional [[New York National Guard|National Guard]] troopers and [[New York State Police|State Police]] officers to major commuter hubs during the [[General Debate of the seventy-first session of the United Nations General Assembly|United Nations General Assembly]] meeting which began when the bombings were unfolding.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/><ref name="CapturedCNN" />
In the two days following the Manhattan bombing, the NYPD received 406 phone calls reporting suspicious packages in the city. None were found to contain bombs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3014ab3ce2eb45cc920d158626f670fd/latest-justice-dept-wants-bring-rahami-nyc-soon|title=The Latest: Judge Won't Order Federal Arraignment for Rahami|agency=Associated Press|date=September 22, 2016|accessdate=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019004048/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3014ab3ce2eb45cc920d158626f670fd/latest-justice-dept-wants-bring-rahami-nyc-soon|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The [[Yelp]] listing for a chicken restaurant owned by Rahimi's family was [[review bomb]]ed in retaliation for the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/09/22/494935022/what-happens-when-yelp-restaurant-reviews-turn-political|title=What Happens When Yelp Restaurant Reviews Turn Political?|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=2019-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325011654/https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/09/22/494935022/what-happens-when-yelp-restaurant-reviews-turn-political|archive-date=March 25, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mic.com/articles/154634/yelp-reviewers-drag-chicken-restaurant-owned-by-nyc-bombing-suspect-s-family|title=Yelp reviewers drag chicken restaurant owned by NYC bombing suspect's family|website=mic.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325011654/https://mic.com/articles/154634/yelp-reviewers-drag-chicken-restaurant-owned-by-nyc-bombing-suspect-s-family|archive-date=March 25, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
==See also==
*[[Jihadist extremism in the United States]]
*[[List of terrorist incidents in September 2016]]
*{{section link|Terrorism in the United States|2010–present}}
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
{{GeoGroup}}
*{{Commons category-inline|2016 Manhattan explosion}}
{{Portal bar|Criminal justice|New York City}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:New York and New Jersey bombings, 2016}}
[[Category:2010s in Manhattan]]
[[Category:2016 crimes in New Jersey]]
[[Category:2016 in New York City|Bombings]]
[[Category:23rd Street (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Attacks in the United States in 2016]]
[[Category:Chelsea, Manhattan]]
[[Category:Crimes in New York City]]
[[Category:Elizabeth, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Explosions in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Improvised explosive device bombings in the United States]]
[[Category:Islamic terrorist incidents in 2016]]
[[Category:Islamic terrorism in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Linden, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Plots and attacks using pressure cooker bombs]]
[[Category:Seaside Park, New Jersey]]
[[Category:September 2016 crimes in the United States|New York and New Jersey bombings]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in New York City]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in the United States in 2016]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{use mdy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title = 2016 New York and New Jersey bombings
| partof = <!-- [[Terrorism in the United States]] -->
| image = 2016 Chelsea, NY explosion.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = New York City [[Mayor of New York City|Mayor]] [[Bill de Blasio]] and State [[Governor of New York|Governor]] [[Andrew Cuomo]] tour the site of the Manhattan bombing.
| map = {{Location map many | USA New Jersey
| alt =
| caption = <!--Locations of the bombings--><!-- over a map of greater New Jersey-->
| label = Seaside Park bombing
| lat_deg = 39.925602
| lon_deg = -74.074726
| position1 = left
| label2= {{nowrap|Manhattan bombing}}
| lat2_deg = 40.743631
| lon2_deg = -73.994308
| position2 = left
| label3 = {{nowrap|Elizabeth bombs}}
| lat3_deg = 40.667778
| lon3_deg = -74.215000
| position3 = left
}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39.925602|-74.074726|display=inline|name=Seaside Park bombing}} (Seaside Park)<br>{{coord|40.743631|-73.994308|display=inline|name=Manhattan bombing}} (Manhattan)<br>{{coord|40.667778|-74.215|display=inline|name=Elizabeth bombs}} (Elizabeth)
| location = [[Seaside Park, New Jersey|Seaside Park]], [[New Jersey]], U.S.<br>[[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]], [[Manhattan]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.<br>[[Elizabeth, New Jersey|Elizabeth]], New Jersey, U.S.<br>[[Linden, New Jersey|Linden]], New Jersey, U.S.
| date = '''Seaside Park bombing:''' September 17, 2016, 9:30 a.m.<br>'''Manhattan bombing:''' September 17, 2016, 8:31 p.m.<br>'''Elizabeth bombs discovered:''' September 19, 2016, {{circa}} 12:40 a.m.<br>'''Linden shootout:''' September 19, 2016, 11:23 a.m.
| time =
| timezone = All times are [[UTC-04:00]]
| type = [[Bombing]], [[shootout]]
| fatalities = 0
| injuries = '''35 total:'''
* 31 civilians in Manhattan
* 3 police officers in Linden
* 1 suspect in Linden
| victims = <!-- or | victim = -->
| assailants = <!-- or | assailant = -->
| perps = Ahmad Khan Rahimi
| weapons = [[Pressure cooker bomb]]s, [[pipe bomb]]s, [[9mm]] [[Glock pistol]]
| numparts = <!-- or | numpart = -->
| dfens = <!-- or | dfen = -->
| motive =
| inquiry =
| coroner =
| accused =
| convicted =
| verdict =
| convictions =
| charges =
| litigation =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| module =
}}
On September 17–19, 2016, three bombs exploded and several unexploded ones were found in the [[New York metropolitan area]]. The bombings left 31 people wounded, but no fatalities or life-threatening injuries were reported.
On the morning of September 17, a [[pipe bomb]] exploded in [[Seaside Park, New Jersey]]. Later that day, a homemade pressure cooker bomb went off in the [[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]] neighborhood of [[Manhattan]], [[New York City]]. A second pressure cooker bomb was discovered four blocks away. Late on September 18, multiple bombs were discovered at the [[Elizabeth station|train station]] in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]]. One of these bombs detonated early next day.
On September 19, 2016, the sole suspect—Ahmad Khan Rahimi, of Elizabeth—was captured, following a shootout with police in neighboring [[Linden, New Jersey]]. Rahimi was not part of a terrorist group, but his actions were believed to have been influenced by the [[Jihadism|extremist Islamic ideology]] espoused by [[al-Qaeda]]. In 2017, Rahimi was convicted in U.S. federal court of eight federal crimes arising from the attack. On February 13, 2018, Rahimi was sentenced to a mandatory sentence of [[life without parole]].
==Seaside Park bombing==
In the morning of September 17, 2016, in [[Ocean County, New Jersey]], the Seaside Semper Five, a [[5k run]] event, was expected to draw as many as 3,000 people, with many of them being veterans of the [[United States Armed Forces]]. The race was delayed after a suspicious backpack was noticed in the vicinity of the starting point.<ref name="NYT">{{cite web|first1=Christopher|last1=Mele|first2=Al|last2=Baker|first3=Michael|last3=Barbaro|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-new-york-city.html|title=Powerful Blast Injures at Least 29 in Manhattan; Second Device Found|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918025042/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-new-york-city.html|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="patch">{{cite web|url=http://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/explosion-evacuates-seaside-park-boardwalk-area-reports|title=Pipe Bomb Explodes Along 5K Seaside Park Racecourse on Jersey Shore|publisher=[[Patch.com]]|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|first=Tom|last=Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918143034/http://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/explosion-evacuates-seaside-park-boardwalk-area-reports|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
At about 9:30 a.m., shortly before the race was supposed to start, a pipe bomb exploded in a trash can on Ocean Avenue in Seaside Park.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="patch"/> Three "rudimentary" pipe bombs, all reportedly timed to go off during the race, were later found, with only one of the three having exploded. No one was hurt by this bombing, however.<ref name="Procupez">{{cite news|last1=Perez|first1=Evan|last2=Procupecz|first2=Simon|last3=Newsome|first3=John|title=Blast near Marine Corps race in New Jersey probed as possible terror act|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/nj-explosive-trash-can/|accessdate=September 18, 2016|publisher=CNN|date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917194808/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/nj-explosive-trash-can/|archive-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The race was canceled after the explosion,<ref name="Procupez"/> and the beach and boardwalk in Seaside Park were evacuated. Police officials and federal agents soon went [[door-to-door]], asking residents about information regarding the bombs or any suspicious activity they may have seen, heard, or witnessed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox29.com/news/206098346-story|title=Beaches reopened but lots of questions after Jersey Shore explosion|work=Fox29.com|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919185344/http://www.fox29.com/news/206098346-story|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Seaside Park beaches reopen after pipe bomb blast |url=http://newjersey.news12.com/news/official-more-devices-wired-to-pipe-bomb-in-seaside-park-failed-to-detonate-at-semper-five-5k-race-1.12329728?firstfree=yes |archive-url=https://archive.is/20161014005349/http://newjersey.news12.com/news/official-more-devices-wired-to-pipe-bomb-in-seaside-park-failed-to-detonate-at-semper-five-5k-race-1.12329728?firstfree=yes |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 14, 2016 |accessdate=September 18, 2016 |publisher=News 12 New Jersey |date=September 19, 2016 }}</ref>
==Manhattan bombing==
In the [[Chelsea, Manhattan|Chelsea]] neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, on the same day as the Seaside Park bombing, a pressure cooker bomb filled with shrapnel, in the form of small [[Bearing (mechanical)|bearings]] or metal [[BB (ammunition)|BBs]],<ref name="SantoraNYT"/> exploded in a crowded area on West 23rd Street, between [[Sixth Avenue|Avenue of the Americas]] and [[Seventh Avenue (Manhattan)|Seventh Avenue]] at 8:31 p.m.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="SantoraNYT"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Surveillance videos from Chelsea gym show terrifying moment bomb detonates|url=http://pix11.com/2016/09/18/surveillance-video-from-chelsea-gym-shows-terrifying-moment-bomb-detonates/|website=WPIX-TV|accessdate=September 18, 2016|date=September 18, 2016|first1=Alyssa|last1=Zauderer|first2=Dan|last2=Mannarino|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919152005/http://pix11.com/2016/09/18/surveillance-video-from-chelsea-gym-shows-terrifying-moment-bomb-detonates/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The explosion occurred in front of 133 West 23rd Street<ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow">{{cite news | last1=Workman | first1=Karen | last2=Rosenberg | first2=Eli | last3=Mele | first3=Christopher | title=Chelsea Explosion: What We Know and Don’t Know | website=The New York Times | date=September 18, 2016 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-what-we-know-and-dont-know.html | accessdate=September 18, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918200808/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/chelsea-explosion-what-we-know-and-dont-know.html | archive-date=September 18, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> in the vicinity of a construction site,<ref name="WaPo">{{cite web|first1=Philip|last1=Bump|first2=Mark|last2=Berman|first3=Amy B.|last3=Wang|first4=Matt|last4=Zapotosky|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/17/new-york-officials-say-25-people-injured-after-explosion-in-chelsea/|title=Explosion that injured 29 in New York 'obviously an act of terrorism,' governor says|work=The Washington Post|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919063522/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/17/new-york-officials-say-25-people-injured-after-explosion-in-chelsea/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> at which materials were in place for exterior renovations of the Visions at Selis Manor facility, an apartment building for the blind, at 135 West 23rd Street.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/18/29-hurt-in-manhattan-explosion-suspicious-package-probed/|title=Investigation underway into NYC explosion that injured 29|publisher=Mercury News|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919130855/http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/09/18/29-hurt-in-manhattan-explosion-suspicious-package-probed/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Newsday">{{cite news|title=De Blasio: Dozens injured in Manhattan explosion|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/de-blasio-29-injured-in-explosion-in-manhattan-1.12331497|work=Newsday|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016}}</ref> Other nearby buildings included the Townhouse Inn of Chelsea,<ref name="Newsday"/> many restaurants, and a [[Trader Joe's]] at 21st Street and 6th Avenue.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/> The Chelsea neighborhood is residential, known for its nightlife, and is not close to any significant tourist sites or government buildings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.ng/news/world/183688/injured-intentional-york-explosion|title=Several injured in 'intentional' New York explosion|date=September 18, 2016|publisher=Today|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918080914/https://www.today.ng/news/world/183688/injured-intentional-york-explosion|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Witnesses said that the explosion "seemed to have started inside a sidewalk [[dumpster]]" in the vicinity of Sixth Avenue, and photographs of a "twisted dumpster" in the middle of West 23rd Street went viral on Twitter.<ref name="NYT"/> A law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity stated that the explosion "appeared to have come from a construction [[toolbox]]" in front of a building, and photographs of the area reportedly showed a twisted, crumpled black metal box.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/>
===Effects===
[[File:Police after 2016 Manhattan explosion.jpg|thumb|left|A police officer instructs a civilian, as other police, fire and EMS crews work near the scene of the bomb explosion.]]
The explosion "was powerful enough to vault a heavy steel dumpster more than 120 feet through the air ... Windows shattered 400 feet from where the explosion went off, and pieces of the bomb were recovered 650 feet away."<ref name="InspiredBinLaden">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-suspect.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami Was Inspired by Bin Laden, Charges Say|first1=Marc|last1=Santora|first2=Adam|last2=Goldman|date=September 21, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921170901/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-suspect.html|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The explosion caused damage to a nearby five-story [[brownstone]],<ref name="NYT"/> and debris was strewn in front of the [[St. Vincent de Paul Church (Manhattan)|St. Vincent de Paul Church]].<ref name="NYDN">{{cite web|first1=Edgar|last1=Sandoval|first2=Nicole|last2=Hensley|first3=Ginger Adams|last3=Otis|first4=Rocco|last4=Parascandola|first5=Rich|last5=Schapiro|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/blast-rips-chelsea-street-started-running-article-1.2796382|title=Explosive fireball rattles Chelsea street injuring 29, secondary pressure cooking device found blocks away|work=The New York Daily News|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031235737/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/blast-rips-chelsea-street-started-running-article-1.2796382|archive-date=October 31, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The moment of the blast was captured on [[closed-circuit television]] footage from three cameras.<ref name="WSJShallwaniVilensky">{{cite web|first1=Pervaiz|last1=Shallwani|first2=Mike|last2=Vilensky|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/explosion-in-new-yorks-chelsea-neighborhood-injures-several-people-1474163987|title='Intentional' Explosion in Chelsea Neighborhood of New York Injures Dozens|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918030523/http://www.wsj.com/articles/explosion-in-new-yorks-chelsea-neighborhood-injures-several-people-1474163987|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Thirty-one civilians were injured,<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/> 24 of whom were taken to four hospitals.<ref name="NYDN"/><ref name="CNN">{{cite news|last1=Simon|first1=Mallory|last2=Hume|first2=Tim|title=New York explosion that injured 29 was 'intentional act,' mayor says|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/new-york-explosion/|publisher=CNN|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918160112/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/17/us/new-york-explosion/|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Most injuries were scrapes and bruises caused by flying debris and glass.<ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/><ref name="WSJShallwaniVilensky"/> None of the injuries were ultimately life-threatening, but one victim sustained [[penetrating trauma]] to the abdomen and was rushed from the scene in serious condition.<ref name="NYT" /> Nine of the injured were taken to [[Bellevue Hospital]],<ref name=NBC.Intentional/> including the seriously injured civilian.<ref name="NYDN"/> Lenox Health Greenwich Village treated another nine victims.<ref name="WaPo"/> By the following morning, all of the injured had been released.<ref name="SantoraNYT">{{cite news|first1=Marc|last1=Santora|first2=William K.|last2=Rashbaum|first3=Al|last3=Baker|first4=Adam|last4=Goldman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/new-york-explosion-chelsea.html|title=Manhattan Bombs Provide Trove of Clues; F.B.I. Questions 5 People|work=The New York Times|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918230122/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/new-york-explosion-chelsea.html|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow"/>
The explosion disrupted travel in Manhattan extensively. A significant zone ([[14th Street (Manhattan)|14th Street]] to [[34th Street (Manhattan)|34th Street]] between [[Fifth Avenue]] and [[Eighth Avenue (Manhattan)|Eighth Avenue]]) was closed to car travel overnight. By 7:00 a.m. the following morning, all roads in that region were reopened except for West 23rd Street. [[New York City Subway]] service to stations along West 23rd Street was disrupted while the investigation was ongoing.<ref name="TransportationDisruptions">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/explosion-causes-extensive-disruptions-to-travel-in-manhattan.html|title=Explosion Causes Extensive Disruptions to Travel in Manhattan|last=Mele|first=Christopher|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919221420/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/explosion-causes-extensive-disruptions-to-travel-in-manhattan.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===Discovery of second device===
Following the explosion, officers began a block-by-block search for additional unexploded bombs.<ref name="GolsteinHowFound">{{cite web|first=Joseph|last=Golstein|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/second-bomb-new-york-explosion.html|title=How Police Found Second Bomb, and a 'Total Containment Vessel' Hauled It Away|work=The New York Times|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919133617/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/nyregion/second-bomb-new-york-explosion.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Several hours later, police received a 9-1-1 call from a resident of West [[27th Street (Manhattan)|27th Street]] who had seen a suspicious-looking package near her home. The device was under a mailbox at West 27th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, four blocks away from the site of the original blast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/woman-who-found-second-bomb-chelsea-thought-it-was-science-experiment|title=Woman Who Found Second Bomb in Chelsea Thought It Was a Science Experiment|website=DNAinfo New York|access-date=September 25, 2016|last=Hurowitz|first=Noah|date=September 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927031509/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/woman-who-found-second-bomb-chelsea-thought-it-was-science-experiment|archivedate=September 27, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> When authorities came to look, two [[New York State Police|state troopers]] discovered the pressure cooker bomb concealed in a plastic bag and connected with dark wiring to a mobile phone.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/><ref name="GolsteinHowFound"/> The bomb was filled with small bearings or metal BBs.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/> The pressure cooker bomb was described as similar to those used in the [[Boston Marathon bombing]].<ref name="NYT" /><ref name="NYDN" /><ref name="CNN"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/nyc_explosion_believed_to_be_intentional_act_mayor.html|title=NYC blast believed to be 'intentional act,' mayor says|last=Cohen|first=Noah|date=September 17, 2016|work=NJ.com|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921082252/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/nyc_explosion_believed_to_be_intentional_act_mayor.html|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/18/us/new-york-explosion/index.html|title=New York bombing: Investigators search for suspects, motive|date=September 18, 2016|publisher=CNN|last2=Prokupecz|first2=Shimon|first1=Evan|last1=Perez|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918171240/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/18/us/new-york-explosion/index.html|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The [[New York City Police Department]] (NYPD) reported its find of a "possible secondary device" at 11:00 p.m.<ref name="NYT" />
The bomb was removed by an NYPD bomb squad robot.<ref name="NYT" /><ref name="APInvestigationUnderway"/> The robot placed the bomb in a [[Bomb_disposal#Bomb_containment_chamber|containment chamber]], and the device was driven away at around 2:25 a.m. on September 18.<ref name="GolsteinHowFound"/> Investigators obtained fingerprints and the mobile phone from the device.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/thieves-helped-crack-chelsea-bombing-case-sources-say|title=Thieves Helped Crack the Chelsea Bombing Case, Sources Say|last=Weiss|first=Murray|last2=Rizzi|first2=Nicholas|date=September 19, 2016|website=DNAinfo New York|last3=Kapp|first3=Trevor|last4=Gardiner|first4=Aidan|accessdate=September 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920070315/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160919/chelsea/thieves-helped-crack-chelsea-bombing-case-sources-say|archivedate=September 20, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The bomb was driven to the NYPD's [[Rodman's Neck]] firing range in [[the Bronx]], where it was rendered safe<ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow"/> via a [[controlled explosion]].<ref name="CapturedCNN"/> The devices were to be sent to the [[FBI Laboratory]] in [[Quantico, Virginia]], for further inspection.<ref name="NYT-WhatWeKnow"/><ref name="WaPo"/>
==Discovery of bombs in Elizabeth==
At around 8:00 p.m. on September 18, two men took a backpack they found atop a municipal garbage can at the [[Elizabeth (NJT station)|Elizabeth train station]] in [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]].<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016"/><ref name=NBC.Questioned>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nyc-explosion-fbi-cops-investigate-vehicle-interest-n-y-new-n650306|title=Ahmad Rahami, Suspect in N.Y., N.J. Bombings, in Custody: Sources|work=NBC News|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Miguel|last1=Almaguer|first2=Alex|last2=Johnson|first3=Tom|last3=Winter|first4=Jonathan|last4=Dienst|first5=Corky|last5=Siemaszko|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919045256/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nyc-explosion-fbi-cops-investigate-vehicle-interest-n-y-new-n650306|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="SchweberBromwich">{{cite web | last=Schweber | first=Nate | last2=Bromwich | first2=Jonah Engel | title=Pipe Bombs Found Near Train Station in Elizabeth, N.J. | website=The New York Times | date=September 19, 2016 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/pipe-bombs-found-near-train-station-in-elizabeth-nj-official-says.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919073606/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/pipe-bombs-found-near-train-station-in-elizabeth-nj-official-says.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="WNBC">{{cite web | last=Dienst | first=Jonathan | last2=Siff | first2=Andrew | last3=Siegal | first3=Ida | last4=Creag | first4=Katherine | last5=Bordonaro | first5=Lori | title=Device Explodes Near Train Station in New Jersey as Authorities Probe Bag | website=NBC New York | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/NYC-Verrazano-Bridge-Traffic-Stop-Chelsea-Bombing-Elizabeth-NJT-Station-Package-393920101.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919225549/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/NYC-Verrazano-Bridge-Traffic-Stop-Chelsea-Bombing-Elizabeth-NJT-Station-Package-393920101.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=NJ.Sought>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/elizabeth_man_sought_by_fbi_on_nj_nyc_explosions_w.html|title=Man sought by FBI in N.J., NYC explosions worked in family eatery|work=NJ.com|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922002338/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/elizabeth_man_sought_by_fbi_on_nj_nyc_explosions_w.html|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> One of the men, Lee Parker, was [[Hobo|homeless]] and was looking for a backpack so he could go to a job search. His friend Ivan White had found the backpack above the garbage can.<ref name="WABC-Backpack">{{cite web | agency=WABC | title=Homeless man, friend who found bombs in Elizabeth say they were 'just doing the right thing' | website=ABC7 New York | date=September 20, 2016 | url=http://abc7ny.com/1519370/ | accessdate=September 21, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924032202/http://abc7ny.com/1519370/ | archive-date=September 24, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="CBS New York Backpack">{{cite web | title=Two Men Unlikely Heroes After Discovering Bag Of Pipe Bombs In Elizabeth | website=CBS New York | date=September 20, 2016 | url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/20/ivan-white-lee-parker-elizabeth/ | accessdate=September 21, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922140049/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/20/ivan-white-lee-parker-elizabeth/ | archive-date=September 22, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> They were about {{convert|300|ft|m}} from a busy pub's front entrance<ref name=NBC.Questioned/> and about {{convert|500|ft|m}} from a [[Trestle bridge|train trestle]] when they took the backpack.<ref name="CapturedCNN">{{cite web | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/index.html?sr=twCNN091916new-york-explosion-investigation0944AMVODtop | title=NY, NJ bombings: Suspect charged with attempted murder of officers | publisher=CNN | date=September 19, 2016 | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | first1=Evan | last1=Perez | first2=Shimon | last2=Prokupecz | first3=Emanuella | last3=Grinberg | first4=Holly | last4=Yan | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919231545/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/index.html?sr=twCNN091916new-york-explosion-investigation0944AMVODtop | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> White and Parker looked into the backpack, discovered that the item contained wires and a pipe, and called 9-1-1 at around 8:45 p.m.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/><ref name="WABC-Backpack"/><ref name="CBS New York Backpack"/> The men, who were not held as suspects,<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016"/><ref name="SchweberBromwich"/> were hailed as heroes in Elizabeth;<ref name="WABC-Backpack"/><ref name="CBS New York Backpack"/> a [[GoFundMe]] campaign in their name raised over $16,000 in donations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/donations-flood-men-found-bombs-n-train-station-article-1.2801146|title=Online campaign raises more than $16G for two men that discovered backpack full of bombs at N.J. train station|last1=Dimon|first1=Laura|last2=Schapiro|first2=Rich|date=September 21, 2016|website=The New York Daily News|accessdate=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922123750/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/donations-flood-men-found-bombs-n-train-station-article-1.2801146|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The Elizabeth Police Department was the first authority to respond to the men's 9-1-1 call.<ref name="WABC-Backpack"/><ref name="CBS New York Backpack"/> The investigation was soon turned over to the [[New Jersey Transit Police Department]] and the [[FBI]], two county robots (Union and Essex) confirmed the devices were pipe bombs. One of these bombs was detonated at around 12:40 a.m. as the robots sought to disarm the devices. One robot was "damaged" by the blast.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/><ref name=NJ.Sought/> Authorities were working to disable the other devices.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/b5293ebae8c344578f176795237ef7af/latest-explosion-reported-scene-investigation|title=The Latest: Man Being Sought Lived in Apartment FBI Searched|agency=Associated Press|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019011219/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/b5293ebae8c344578f176795237ef7af/latest-explosion-reported-scene-investigation|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Following the bomb's accidental explosion, the station was evacuated. The surrounding area was put on [[lockdown]], and service was suspended between the [[Newark Liberty International Airport station|Newark Airport]] and Elizabeth stations for the day. New Jersey-bound trains from New York were held at [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Penn Station]].<ref name="WNBC"/><ref name="LiveblogABC">{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a4c9679b2b314bfba7a0b5bb74fc15ad/latest-no-apparent-link-nyc-blast-overseas-terror|title=The Latest: Suspicious Device Checked at NJ Train Station|agency=Associated Press|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019003129/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/a4c9679b2b314bfba7a0b5bb74fc15ad/latest-no-apparent-link-nyc-blast-overseas-terror|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Elizabeth Mayor [[J. Christian Bollwage]] said that it was unclear whether the train station was a specific target, or whether the bombs were dumped by someone looking to quickly get rid of them.<ref name="SchweberBromwich"/> The Elizabeth device was "similar in appearance" to the Seaside Park device.<ref name=NBC.Questioned/> Police later theorized that the bomber, Ahmad Khan Rahimi, had thrown away the bombs in Elizabeth in an effort to hide the evidence because these bombs lacked detonators.<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016"/>
{{Clear}}
==Investigation==
[[File:23rd Street Manhattan bombing investigation 3.jpg|thumb|right|Ongoing investigation at 23rd Street, as seen on September 19, 2016]]
The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI), the [[Joint Terrorism Task Force]] (JTTF), [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Homeland Security]], and the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] (ATF) responded to the scene of the Chelsea bombing and were involved in the investigation, in addition to the [[New York City Fire Department]] (FDNY) and the NYPD. Initially, the Seaside Park and Manhattan bombings were investigated as separate incidents, but over a period of two days, the investigation yielded similarities between the two incidents, leading the investigators to determine that they were connected, and therefore that it was to be investigated as one overall composite terrorist act or endeavor, committed by the same person or party.<ref name="NYT" /><ref name=NBC.Intentional>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/29-hurt-manhattan-explosion-called-intentional-act-n650041|title='An Act of Terrorism': Investigators Hunting for Clues in NYC Bomb That Injured 29|work=NBC News|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|first1=Jonathan|last1=Dienst|first2=Tom|last2=Winter|first3=Richard|last3=Esposito|first4=Emmanuelle|last4=Saliba|first5=Phil|last5=Helsel|first6=Elisha|last6=Fieldstadt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918094001/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/29-hurt-manhattan-explosion-called-intentional-act-n650041|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/18/manhattan-explosion-several-injured-in-blast-rolling-report|title=New York explosion: Cuomo says 'no evidence of international terrorism' – as it happened|first1=Elle|last1=Hunt|first2=Alan|last2=Yuhas|date=September 18, 2016|accessdate=September 18, 2016|publisher=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918041642/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/18/manhattan-explosion-several-injured-in-blast-rolling-report|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Within hours after the attack, officials [[:File:Loud-explosion-reported-manhattan-chelsea-neighborhood.webm|determined]] that the explosion was intentional, and ruled out the possibility of a [[Gas explosion|natural gas explosion]].<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="usa today">{{cite web|first1=Melanie|last1=Eversley|first2=Kevin|last2=McCoy|title=Big blast, 29 injuries in NYC; pressure cooker device removed nearby|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/17/explosion-new-york-chelsea-neighborhood/90605526/|newspaper=USA Today|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918013812/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/17/explosion-new-york-chelsea-neighborhood/90605526/|archive-date=September 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Investigators did not immediately find evidence of a [[terrorism]] link,<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="CNN"/> initially leaving open the possibility of [[arson]] or [[vandalism]] at the time.<ref>{{cite news|last1=David|first1=Javier E.|title=NYC Mayor DeBlasio: Chelsea explosion 'intentional', but no immediate terror link|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/17/explosion-injuries-reported-in-nycs-chelsea-section.html|work=CNBC|date=September 17, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919132124/http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/17/explosion-injuries-reported-in-nycs-chelsea-section.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A link to terrorism was discovered in the following days.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="FBI"/>
Both of the Manhattan bombs—the one that exploded and the second that was disabled—were of the same design, using pressure cookers filled with bearings or metal BBs that were rigged with [[Flip (form)|flip]] [[mobile phone|phone]]s and [[Christmas lights]] that set off a small charge of [[hexamethylene triperoxide diamine]] (HMTD), which served as a [[detonator]] for a larger charge of a [[secondary explosive]] similar to [[Tannerite]].<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Greenemeier|first1=Larry|title=Chemicals Could Be a Key in Investigating the New York and New Jersey Bombings|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chemicals-could-be-a-key-in-investigating-the-new-york-and-new-jersey-bombings/|accessdate=September 28, 2016|publisher=Scientific American|date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924151905/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chemicals-could-be-a-key-in-investigating-the-new-york-and-new-jersey-bombings/|archive-date=September 24, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The FBI examined fingerprints from the undetonated West 27th Street pressure cooker bomb and its attached mobile phone.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /> [[DNA evidence]] was also recovered.<ref name="FBI"/> On September 19, the FBI traced the prints, as well as some pictures on the mobile phone, to Ahmad Khan Rahimi (see [[#Suspect|below]]).<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" />
Though the explosives in all four incidents were of three different designs, the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] found that the bomb-maker followed guidelines featured in ''[[Inspire (magazine)|Inspire]]'', an online magazine published by [[al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-rahami-al-qaeda-magazine-bomb-making-article-1.2805807|title=Ahmad Rahami may have followed bomb-making tips from Al Qaeda magazine, memo shows|work=The New York Daily News|date=September 25, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first=Jason|last=Silverstein|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927124041/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-rahami-al-qaeda-magazine-bomb-making-article-1.2805807|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Investigators also said they believed the bomb-maker had cased the Chelsea neighborhood before the bombing there, and that he may have had an accomplice as he would have had to otherwise cover a lot of ground between the bombing sites in a relatively short amount of time. They were talking to witnesses who claimed to have seen Rahimi in the Chelsea area before the explosion.<ref name=CBS.Views/><ref name=CBS.Cased>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-city-bombing-suspect-cased-chelsea-explosion/|title=New York City bombing suspect may have cased Chelsea before blast|work=CBS News|date=September 22, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928214031/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-city-bombing-suspect-cased-chelsea-explosion/|archive-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Several bomb ingredients were purchased by Rahimi on [[eBay]] between June 20 and August 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-ahmad-khan-rahami-bought-bomb-ingredients-on-ebay/|title=Feds: Ahmad Khan Rahami bought bomb ingredients on eBay|work=CBS News|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003090449/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-ahmad-khan-rahami-bought-bomb-ingredients-on-ebay/|archive-date=October 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===Search for suspects===
Investigators discovered surveillance video that showed a suspect planting a bomb, later identified as Rahimi, on West 23rd Street in Manhattan, then walking to West 27th Street dragging a duffel bag. The subject left the bag at West 27th Street. Later, two individuals took the pressure cooker bomb out of the bag and left the scene.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Parascandola Durkin Otis 2016" /> Authorities determined that the two men who had taken the bomb out of the bag were, most likely, scavengers who had only wanted the duffel bag and did not know what they had been handling; in the process, they might have deactivated the bomb in the bag. The NYPD and FBI wished to talk with these men, who were considered possible witnesses but were not suspected in helping plant the bomb.<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/09/19/two-men-took-second-bomb-out-of-suitcase-in-chelsea/|title=Two scavengers took second bomb out of suitcase in Chelsea|last=Celona|first=Larry|last2=Musumeci|first2=Natalie|date=September 19, 2016|website=[[New York Post]]|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919182607/http://nypost.com/2016/09/19/two-men-took-second-bomb-out-of-suitcase-in-chelsea/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Investigators later believed the men were possible Egyptian tourists who have since returned to their home country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160927/chelsea/who-deactivated-west-27th-street-bomb-two-men-suitcase-ahmad-khan-rahami|title=Two Men Who Took Chelsea Bomb Suitcase May Have Left Country, Sources Say|work=DNAInfo|date=September 27, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first=Murray|last=Weiss|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928170148/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160927/chelsea/who-deactivated-west-27th-street-bomb-two-men-suitcase-ahmad-khan-rahami|archivedate=September 28, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=ChicTrib.ID>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-manhattan-bombing-20160928-story.html|title=Men who took bag holding bomb that failed to detonate in Manhattan ID'd as tourists|publisher=Chicago Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=September 28, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930154232/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-manhattan-bombing-20160928-story.html|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> U.S. investigators notified Egyptian authorities that they wanted to question the men.<ref name=ChicTrib.ID/>
Late on September 18, the day after the Manhattan explosion, the FBI announced that five men, who were later found to be relatives of Rahimi, had been detained in connection with the investigation. The men were detained at about 8:45 p.m. at a traffic stop, which was being conducted by the FBI and NYPD on the [[Belt Parkway]] near the [[Verrazano-Narrows Bridge]].<ref name="NBC.Questioned" /><ref name="HuntforRahami">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/nyc-nj-explosions-ahmad-khan-rahami.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami Is Arrested in Manhattan and New Jersey Bombings|date=September 18, 2016|last2=Rashbaum|first2=William K.|newspaper=The New York Times|last3=Baker|first3=Al|last4=Goldman|first4=Adam|first1=Marc|last1=Santora|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919124409/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/nyc-nj-explosions-ahmad-khan-rahami.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Yahoo.Connection">{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/gma/york-governor-says-no-apparent-between-explosion-overseas-151306033--abc-news-topstories.html|title=Sources: Up to 5 People in FBI Custody in Connection With NY Bombing, After Traffic Stop|last2=Crudele|first2=Mark|date=September 18, 2016|last3=Levine|first3=Mike|last4=Caplan|first4=David|work=Yahoo! GMA|accessdate=September 18, 2016|first1=Aaron|last1=Katersky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324110116/https://www.yahoo.com/gma/york-governor-says-no-apparent-between-explosion-overseas-151306033--abc-news-topstories.html|archive-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/09/18/fbi-detains-5-in-connection-to-chelsea-bombing/|title=FBI detains 5 in connection to Chelsea bombing|date=September 18, 2016|publisher=The New York Post|last1=Celona|first1=Larry|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920184401/http://nypost.com/2016/09/18/fbi-detains-5-in-connection-to-chelsea-bombing/|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Sandoval Silverstein 2016" />
===Motive===
An official speaking to ''[[The New York Times]]'' on condition of anonymity said, "We don't understand the target or the significance of it. It's by a pile of dumpsters on a random sidewalk."<ref name="NYT"/> At [[:File:New-york-governor-cuomo.webm|a news conference]] the day following the Manhattan bombing, [[Governor of New York|New York Governor]] [[Andrew Cuomo]] said that placing a bomb in a crowded city street was intrinsically a terrorist act, but that "there is no evidence of an international terrorism connection with this incident", while noting that the investigation was still in its early stages.<ref name="Parascandola Durkin Otis 2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/de-blasio-urges-vigilance-chelsea-explosion-investigated-article-1.2796906|title=Authorities hunt for terrorists who caused Chelsea explosion and planned to detonate second bomb|last=Parascandola|first=Rocco|last2=Durkin|first2=Erin|date=September 18, 2016|website=[[New York Daily News]]|last3=Otis|first3=Ginger Adams|accessdate=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919013826/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/de-blasio-urges-vigilance-chelsea-explosion-investigated-article-1.2796906|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> An explosives expert, speaking anonymously, said the materials used in the bomb indicated that the bomb-builder had some knowledge of how to assemble the explosive device.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/>
[[File:Video report by Zlatica Hoke, 2016 New York Bombing.webm|thumb|right|thumbtime=1|[[Voice of America]] video report]]
A note found on the pressure cooker bomb left on West 27th Street referred to [[Anwar al-Awlaki]] (the Muslim cleric who became a senior member of [[al-Qaeda]] and was then killed by a U.S. drone strike), the [[Boston Marathon bombing]], and the [[2009 Fort Hood shooting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kwqc.com/2016/09/20/note-on-pressure-cooker-found-in-manhattan-mentioned-boston-bombing-sources-say/|title=Note on Pressure Cooker Found in Manhattan Mentioned Boston Bombing, Sources Say|first=Pete|last=Williams|date=September 20, 2016|publisher=KWQC-TV|accessdate=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921184848/http://kwqc.com/2016/09/20/note-on-pressure-cooker-found-in-manhattan-mentioned-boston-bombing-sources-say/|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://kutv.com/news/nation-world/investigators-suspect-wrote-about-boston-bombers-anwar-al-awlaki|title=Investigators: Suspect wrote about Boston bombers, Anwar al-Awlaki|publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group|accessdate=September 20, 2016|date=September 20, 2016|website=KUTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002022138/http://kutv.com/news/nation-world/investigators-suspect-wrote-about-boston-bombers-anwar-al-awlaki|archive-date=October 2, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="FBI"/>
On September 20, investigators said that when Rahimi was arrested, he had a notebook in his possession in which he had written about Anwar al-Awlaki, the Boston Marathon bombers [[Tamerlan Tsarnaev|Tamerlan]] and [[Dzhokhar Tsarnaev]], and [[Abu Mohammad al-Adnani]], the spokesperson and a senior leader of ISIL.<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/><ref name="FBI"/><ref name=CBS.Cased/> The notebook had bullet holes and blood stains. In the notebook, Rahimi wrote of "killing the [[Kafir|kuffar]]", an Arabic term for unbelievers.<ref name="InspiredBinLaden" />
According to authorities, Rahimi was not part of a [[terrorist cell]], but was motivated and inspired by the [[Jihadism|extremist Islamic ideology]] espoused by [[al-Qaeda]] founder [[Osama bin Laden]] and al-Qaeda chief propagandist [[Anwar al-Awlaki]].<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/> The criminal complaint filed against Rahimi states that Rahimi had a YouTube account in which he listed two jihadist propaganda videos as "favorites" alongside other, unrelated materials.<ref>{{cite web|first=Christopher|last=Mele|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-youtube-account-included-jihad-videos-complaint-says.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's YouTube Account Listed Jihad Videos, Complaint Says|work=The New York Times|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922000533/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-youtube-account-included-jihad-videos-complaint-says.html|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
=={{Anchor|Ahmad Khan Rahimi|Suspect}} Perpetrator==
{{Infobox person
| name = Ahmad Khan Rahimi I
| image = Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami surveillance image.jpg
| image_upright = 250px
| caption = Surveillance image of Ahmad Khan Rahimi, who was arrested following a manhunt
| native_name = <!-- احمد خان رحامی --> <!-- Do not uncomment without a reliable source, per WP:BLP -->
| pronunciation =
| birth_name = <!-- only use if different from name above -->
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|01|23|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Kandahar]], [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan]]<ref name=WSJ.Path>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ahmad-khan-rahami-took-long-path-to-radicalization-1474675885|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami Took Long Path to Radicalization|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 23, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first1=Naftali|last1=Bendavid|first2=Tamara|last2=Audi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927091414/http://www.wsj.com/articles/ahmad-khan-rahami-took-long-path-to-radicalization-1474675885|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence = [[Elizabeth, New Jersey]]
| nationality =
| other_names =
| citizenship = American
| education = [[Edison High School (New Jersey)|Edison High School]]
| occupation =
| employer = First American Fried Chicken
| known_for =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=6}}<ref name="FBI"/>
| weight = {{convert|200|lb|kg}}<ref name="FBI"/>
| criminal_charge = Federal charges:
*use of weapon of mass destruction (3 counts)
*bombing of place of public use (2 counts)
*destruction of property by means of fire or explosives (2 counts)
*use of destructive device during and in furtherance of a crime of violence.<ref name=SDNYComplaint/><ref name=DNJComplaint/>
New Jersey State charges:
*[[Attempted murder#United States|attempted murder]] of a law enforcement officer (5 counts)
*second-degree [[Criminal possession of a weapon|unlawful possession of a firearm]]
*second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.<ref name=WABC.Charged/><ref name=Independent.Held>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/new-york-explosion-bomb-blast-live-2016-manhattan-chelsea-bombing-latest-news-updating-a7314361.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami: Suspect held on five attempted murder charges of cops and $5.2 million bail – live updates|work=The Independent|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Adam|last1=Withnall|first2=Samuel|last2=Osborne|first3=Rachel|last3=Revesz|first4=Justin|last4=Carissimo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919001951/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/new-york-explosion-bomb-blast-live-2016-manhattan-chelsea-bombing-latest-news-updating-a7314361.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=CBS.Ordered/>
| criminal_penalty = Life without parole
| criminal_status = Incarcerated
| spouse = <!-- leave blank per [[WP:BLPNAME]] -->
| children = 1<ref name="WhoIsRahami"/> <!-- We only count the child he had with his high school girlfriend. The fate of his second child is unknown, per <ref name="WhoIsRahami"/>. -->
| mother = <!-- may be used (optionally with father parameter) in place of parents parameter (displays "Parent(s)" as label) -->
| module =
| ethnicity =
| denomination = <!-- Denomination should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
}}
===Background===
'''Ahmad Khan Rahimi''' (born January 23, 1988), an [[Afghan American]]<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" /> whose surname was initially reported as Rahami,<ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_CNN/><ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_Reuters/> came to the United States from Afghanistan in 1995,<ref name="ABCDetailsEmerge">{{cite web|first1=Brian|last1=Ross|first2=Rhonda|last2=Schwartz|first3=Mike|last3=Levine|first4=Stephanie|last4=Wash|first5=Michael Edison|last5=Hayden|first6=JJ|last6=Gallagher|first7=Emily|last7=Shapiro|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/source-suspect-wanted-nyc-area-bombing/story?id=42190675|title=Details Emerge About NYC Bomb Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami|work=ABC News|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=November 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120140011/https://abcnews.go.com/US/source-suspect-wanted-nyc-area-bombing/story?id=42190675|archive-date=November 20, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and was naturalized in 2011.<ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_CNN/> He is a native [[Pashto]] speaker.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/>
His father, Mohammad Rahimi, came to the U.S. several years earlier seeking asylum.<ref name="WhoIsRahami" /> According to a neighbor, Rahimi's father, a [[Pashtuns|Pashtun]],<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/> had been part of the anti-Soviet [[Afghan mujahideen|mujahideen]] movement in Afghanistan, and was critical of the [[Taliban]].<ref name="KleinfieldFixture"/> The younger Rahimi may have as many as seven siblings.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="ABCDetailsEmerge"/> Before settling into the U.S., the Rahimi family fled from the then war-torn Afghanistan to [[Pakistan]]. In the U.S., they lived in a number of [[New Jersey]] towns before settling in Elizabeth.<ref name=WSJ.Path/>
Rahimi graduated from [[Edison High School (New Jersey)|Edison High School]] in 2008.<ref name="ArkinSiemaszko">{{cite web | last1=Arkin | first1=William | last2=Johnson | first2=Alex | last3=Siemaszko | first3=Corky | last4=Connor | first4=Tracy | last5=Bailey | first5=Chelsea | last6=Bratu | first6=Becky | title=Ahmad Rahami: What We Know About N.Y., N.J. Bombings Suspect | website=NBC News | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ny-nj-bombings/what-we-know-about-bombing-suspect-ahmad-rahami-n650556 | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919170322/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ny-nj-bombings/what-we-know-about-bombing-suspect-ahmad-rahami-n650556 | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> From 2010 to 2012, he attended [[Middlesex County College]] in [[Edison, New Jersey]], majoring in [[criminal justice]] with alleged aspirations of a future in law enforcement. He dropped out.<ref name="WhoIsRahami" /><ref name="ArkinSiemaszko" /><ref name=CNN.Feud>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/ahmad-rahami-family-identity/|title=Ahmad Rahami's lifelong feud with family and identity|work=CNN|date=September 21, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|first1=Scott|last1=Bronstein|first2=Drew|last2=Griffin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927124157/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/ahmad-rahami-family-identity/|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Rahimi's friends described him as a generous person who was never devoutly religious and would invite his friends to eat and conduct [[rap battles]] at his family's [[fried chicken]] restaurant—First American Fried Chicken in Elizabeth, {{convert|15|mi|km}} from New York City. To some, he was known as Mad, short for Ahmad. A classmate from Edison High described him as quiet, mild-mannered, well-dressed, and "not abrasive, [but] funny" whenever he spoke.<ref name=Yahoo.Recalls/> In recent years, though, he seemed to be a "completely different person" who was more stern than before and less easygoing.<ref name=WSJ.Path/><ref name="KleinfieldFixture">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect.html|title=Ahmad Rahami: Fixture in Family's Business and, Lately, a 'Completely Different Person'|last=Kleinfield|first=N. R.|date=September 19, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919203534/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect.html|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=Yahoo.Recalls>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/ahmad-khan-rahami-high-school-classmate-recalls-bomb-suspect-as-funny-calls-allegations-shocking-230921548.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami high school classmate recalls bomb suspect as ‘funny’; calls allegations ‘shocking’|work=Yahoo! News|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first=Caitlin|last=Dickson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920151921/https://www.yahoo.com/news/ahmad-khan-rahami-high-school-classmate-recalls-bomb-suspect-as-funny-calls-allegations-shocking-230921548.html|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Also, in elementary school, Ahmad's teacher complained to Mohammad that his son was "act[ing] like a king in class". Ahmad broke a friend's nose while in junior high.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/nyregion/journey-from-class-clown-to-suspect-in-chelsea-bombing.html|title=Journey From Class Clown to Suspect in Chelsea Bombing|work=The New York Times|date=September 24, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|first1=Kim|last1=Barker|first2=Pir Zubair|last2=Shah|first3=Joseph|last3=Goldstein|first4=Jessica|last4=Silver-Greenberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928141743/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/nyregion/journey-from-class-clown-to-suspect-in-chelsea-bombing.html|archive-date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
While at Edison High, he started a relationship with a classmate from the [[Dominican Republic]], which culminated in them having a daughter together in 2007, during Rahimi's senior year. According to people close to the Rahimis, this upset Mohammad Rahimi, who refused to meet his granddaughter or the mother, and had been disapproving of the relationship due to expectations that his son would marry a cousin in Afghanistan. In March 2008, after returning from his first trip in Pakistan, he moved in with his girlfriend's family and got a job at a [[Kmart]] store. Rahimi's girlfriend later ended the relationship and sued him for child support. This reportedly depressed Rahimi, who subsequently returned to his family, and damaged his relationship with his father.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/><ref name=LATimes.Melting>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-new-york-rahami-snap-story.html|title=New York bombing suspect was at home in the American melting pot – until he met a girl named Maria|work=The Los Angeles Times|date=September 25, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|first=Barbara|last=Demick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930065830/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-new-york-rahami-snap-story.html|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The Rahimi family had a history of disputes with the City of Elizabeth over their restaurant's operating hours, claiming that the city was discriminating against them because of their ethnicity and because they were Muslim.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="WhoIsRahami">{{cite web | last=Shoichet | first=Catherine E. | title=Ahmad Khan Rahami: What we know about the bombing suspect | website=CNN | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-khan-rahami/index.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919152148/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-khan-rahami/index.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-khan-rahami-family-claimed-anti-muslim-harassment-article-1.2798329|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami’s family claimed anti-Muslim harassment over their fast food restaurant|last1=Sandoval|first1=Edgar|last2=Silverstein|first2=Jason|date=September 19, 2016|website=The New York Daily News|access-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920185808/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ahmad-khan-rahami-family-claimed-anti-muslim-harassment-article-1.2798329|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> They filed a lawsuit against the city in 2011, in which they alleged harassment and religious discrimination by police and officials who would force them to close early. Mayor [[J. Christian Bollwage]] said the longstanding issues were caused by a series of complaints from neighbors, who reported noise and large crowds gathering at the restaurant late at night. The city later barred all takeout restaurants, including the Rahimis', from operating past 10:00 p.m. In 2009, two of Rahimi's brothers were arrested for attempting to record a conversation with police, according to court papers.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/family_of_bombing_suspect_sued_elizabeth_for_discr.html|title=Bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami's family sued Elizabeth for anti-Muslim harassment|work=NJ.com|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first=Stephen|last=Stirling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921085853/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/09/family_of_bombing_suspect_sued_elizabeth_for_discr.html|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=Reuters.Clashed>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/york-bombing-suspects-family-clashed-jersey-city-over-182517173.html|title=New York bomb suspect's family clashed with New Jersey city over restaurant|publisher=Yahoo! News|agency=Reuters|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=David|last1=Ingram|first2=Joseph|last2=Ax|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920141054/https://www.yahoo.com/news/york-bombing-suspects-family-clashed-jersey-city-over-182517173.html|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=WashPost.Arrested>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/18/three-mysterious-incidents-in-new-york-new-jersey-and-minnesota-raise-fears-of-terrorism/|title=Suspect in N.Y., N.J. bombings arrested after shootout; FBI says 'no indication' of terror cell|work=The Washington Post|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Renae|last1=Merle|first2=Matt|last2=Zapotosky|first3=Amy B.|last3=Wang|first4=Mark|last4=Berman|first5=Ellen|last5=Nakashima|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919035737/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/18/three-mysterious-incidents-in-new-york-new-jersey-and-minnesota-raise-fears-of-terrorism/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Rahimi lived above the restaurant with his family.<ref name="KleinfieldFixture"/>
In July 2016, Rahimi passed the required background check and legally purchased the [[Glock]] [[9 mm]] handgun he used in the [[2016 New_York_and_New_Jersey_bombings#Discovery,_shootout,_and_arrest|subsequent shootout]], from a [[Federal Firearms License|licensed dealer]] in [[Salem, Virginia]].<ref name="NakashimaBermanWan">{{cite web|first1=Ellen|last1=Nakashima|first2=Mark|last2=Berman|first3=William|last3=Wan|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/20/new-york-bombing-suspect-charged-with-using-weapons-of-mass-destruction/|title=Ahmad Rahami, suspected New York bomber, cited al-Qaeda and ISIS, officials say|work=The Washington Post|date=September 21, 2016|accessdate=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922063827/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/20/new-york-bombing-suspect-charged-with-using-weapons-of-mass-destruction/|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
====Legal troubles====
At one time, Rahimi was licensed to carry firearms. In August 2014, he, at that time living in [[Perth Amboy, New Jersey]], was charged with [[aggravated assault]] and [[unlawful possession of a weapon]] in [[Union County, New Jersey|Union County]]. The charges arose from allegations that Rahimi had stabbed his brother in the leg, after the victim and another brother attempted to stop Rahimi from assaulting their mother and sister "for no apparent reason". Rahimi was reported by two of his siblings the next day and spent three months in the Union County Jail, but was reported to have [[bail]]ed. A [[grand jury]] declined to make an [[indictment]], and the charges were dropped on September 22.<ref name="KleinfieldFixture" /><ref name="ArkinSiemaszko" /><ref name=NJ.Violence>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/hold_ahmad_rahami_attacked_sister_stabbed_brother.html|title=Details emerge of Ahmad Khan Rahami's alleged history of violence toward family|work=NJ.com|date=September 28, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first=Tom|last=Haydon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001025314/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/hold_ahmad_rahami_attacked_sister_stabbed_brother.html|archive-date=October 1, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
A "high-ranking law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation" said Rahimi had spent two additional days in jail, one in February 2012 for allegedly violating a [[restraining order]], and another in October 2008 for failure to pay traffic tickets.<ref name="KleinfieldFixture" />
Rahimi's father Mohammad had tried to contact the FBI about his son around August 2014, but two months later, Rahimi was cleared by the FBI. One reason cited was that Mohammad had stated that he was merely angry over the August domestic incident when he reported his son, so he had denied his previous statement.<ref name="InspiredBinLaden"/><ref name=NJ.Violence/> In an interview with ''[[The New York Times]]'', Mohammad claimed that he had seen his son watching videos made by [[al-Qaeda]] and the Taliban and asked him to stop. However, the FBI later said Mohammad never informed them of what he had seen.<ref name=CBS.Views>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ahmad-rahami-new-york-new-jersey-bombing-suspect-family-may-have-pro-jihadist-views/|title=NYC bombing suspect's family may have also had pro-jihadist views|work=CBS News|date=September 23, 2016|accessdate=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003090459/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ahmad-rahami-new-york-new-jersey-bombing-suspect-family-may-have-pro-jihadist-views/|archive-date=October 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=NYTimes.Journey/>
On September 20 — the day after his arrest — Rahimi's estranged ex-girlfriend, and the mother of his daughter, filed a petition in a New Jersey state court seeking full custody of the child, citing Rahimi as being a possible participant in "terrorist related activity" in New York City. She also filed to change her child's name, as well as to force the media not to contact her or her daughter. The petition for custody was granted the following day, though the request to change the daughter's name was denied, as was the request for media not to contact her, because "the court said it had no authority to grant the requests." Rahimi and the mother of his child had engaged in a long-running battle, as Rahimi owed her more than $3,000 in child support in 2015; she had previously gotten a restraining order against Rahimi.<ref name="ConnorCustody">{{cite web | last=Connor | first=Tracy | title=Bomb suspect Ahmad Rahami's ex-girlfriend awarded custody of their child | website=NBC News | date=September 20, 2016 | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bomb-suspect-ahmad-rahami-s-ex-files-custody-their-child-n651341 | accessdate=September 21, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921115528/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bomb-suspect-ahmad-rahami-s-ex-files-custody-their-child-n651341 | archive-date=September 21, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Pillets">{{cite web | last=Pillets | first=Jeff | title=Edison woman awarded custody of child with accused bomber | website=NorthJersey.com | date=September 21, 2016 | url=http://www.northjersey.com/cm/2.1593/news/edison-woman-awarded-custody-of-child-with-accused-bomber-1.1663830 | accessdate=September 21, 2016}}</ref>
====Overseas travels and return to U.S.====
Rahimi, reportedly, went back to Afghanistan several times (including for an extended period starting in 2012), and "showed signs of [[radicalization]]" afterwards.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="KleinfieldFixture"/> The trips were reportedly arranged by Rahimi's pious father, who was concerned about his son being "too Americanized".<ref name=LATimes.Melting/> Rahimi and members of his family also made several trips to Pakistan, where they had Afghan relatives living as refugees.<ref name="ArkinSiemaszko" /><ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/19/us-authorities-investigating-new-jersey-explosive-devices-live-updates|title=New York bombings: Ahmad Khan Rahami charged with attempted murder – as it happened|work=The Guardian|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|first1=Haroon|last1=Siddique|first2=Martin|last2=Pengelly|first3=Alan|last3=Yuhas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920005406/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/sep/19/us-authorities-investigating-new-jersey-explosive-devices-live-updates|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to a family friend, Rahimi claimed that his father took away his passport while he was sleeping and left him alone in a foreign country.<ref name=CNN.Feud/><ref name=LATimes.Melting/>
Rahimi and a brother spent several weeks in the Pakistani cities of [[Quetta]] and nearby [[Kuchlak]],<ref name=CNN.Feud/><ref name=TalibanSeminary>{{cite news|last1=Boone|first1=Jon|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami spent time at Pakistan seminary tied to Taliban|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/23/ahmad-khan-rahami-pakistan-taliban-new-york-bombing-terrorism|accessdate=September 24, 2016|agency=The Guardian|date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923234645/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/23/ahmad-khan-rahami-pakistan-taliban-new-york-bombing-terrorism|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> as well as [[Kandahar, Afghanistan]]. At Quetta, which is home to a large population of [[Afghans in Pakistan|Afghan immigrants]] and some Taliban members-in-exile,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect-visits-to-pakistan-and-afghanistan-a7317546.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami: Bombing suspect's 'personality changed after visits to Pakistan and Afghanistan'|work=The Independent|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|first=Andrew|last=Buncombe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920032114/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ahmad-khan-rahami-bombing-suspect-visits-to-pakistan-and-afghanistan-a7317546.html|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> he was in an [[arranged marriage]] with a Pakistani woman,<ref name=CBS.Cased/><ref name="WhoIsRahami"/> believed to be his cousin,<ref name=CNN.Feud/><ref name=LATimes.Melting/> in July 2011,<ref name=TalibanSeminary/> and had a son with her in 2014.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/><ref name=LATimes.Melting/> The son's fate is unknown.<ref name="WhoIsRahami"/> Rahimi also went under the wing of a local radical cleric, according to a close relative in Afghanistan.<ref name=NYTimes.Journey/> Following Rahimi's arrest, a spokesman for the Afghan Taliban said the group had no connection with him.<ref name=WSJ.Path/>
In Kuchlak, Rahimi attended an Afghan-run [[Naqshbandi]] [[madrasa|religious seminary]] closely associated with the Taliban movement, where he took lectures in Islamic education for three weeks. Rahimi remained in Pakistan from April 2013 to March 2014, and traveled to Afghanistan during the period.<ref name=TalibanSeminary/> Following his near-year-long stay in the region, he underwent additional screening. On both occasions, he stated that he visited family members and was cleared by [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement|immigration and customs officials]].<ref name="FBI">{{cite news|title=The FBI looked into suspected bomber Ahmad Rahami in 2014 and found no ‘ties to terrorism’|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/19/bombing-suspect-charged-with-attempted-murder-of-a-law-enforcement-officer-with-further-charges-expected/|accessdate=29 September 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 20, 2016|first1=Ellen|last1=Nakashima|first2=Matt|last2=Zapotosky|first3=Mark|last3=Berman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920122825/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/09/19/bombing-suspect-charged-with-attempted-murder-of-a-law-enforcement-officer-with-further-charges-expected/|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="WhoIsRahami" /> The FBI did not find any signs of ties to terrorism during background checks.<ref name="FBI"/>
According to a childhood friend, Rahimi grew a beard, started wearing more religious clothing following his trips to Afghanistan, and began praying in the back of his family's restaurant.<ref name=Yahoo.Recalls/><ref name=Reuters.Clashed/> When the mobile phone from West 27th Street was examined, investigators found that Rahimi had posted [[Jihadism|jihadist]] writings on various websites.<ref name="Weiss Rizzi Kapp Gardiner 2016" /> In addition, his handwritten journal was found, expressing a desire to become a martyr.<ref>{{cite news|title=Suspect vowed to martyr himself|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Suspect-vowed-to-martyr-himself-9235600.php|accessdate=21 September 2017|work=Houston Chronicle|agency=The Associated Press|date=20 September 2016|quote=Rahami's journal included a passage that said: "You (USA Government) continue your (unintelligible) slaught(er)" against the mujahideen, or holy warriors, in Afghanistan and elsewhere. "Death to your oppression," the journal ended. One portion expressed concern at the prospect of being caught before being able to carry out a suicide attack and the desire to be a martyr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922052016/http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Suspect-vowed-to-martyr-himself-9235600.php|archive-date=September 22, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> However, it was "not known whether he had any links to an overseas terror organization, or whether he had been inspired by such organizations and their propaganda efforts, as others have been."<ref name="HuntforRahami" /> One intelligence source said Rahimi may have been self-radicalized.<ref name="FBI"/>
In June 2016, Rahimi's wife left the United States,<ref name=WifeIsBack4Questioning/><ref>{{cite news|title=New York bombing suspect's mother, brother detained in Afghanistan, father says|url=http://abc7ny.com/news/ahmad-rahamis-dad-speaks-out-in-abc-news-interview/1529986/|accessdate=September 30, 2016|agency=ABC News|date=September 28, 2016|first1=Brian|last1=Ross|first2=Megan|last2=Christie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929140801/http://abc7ny.com/news/ahmad-rahamis-dad-speaks-out-in-abc-news-interview/1529986/|archive-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> planning to return September 21.<ref>{{cite news|title=Investigators: Ahmad Rahami went to family home after Chelsea bombing|url=http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/22/politics/ahmad-rahami-timeline-details/|accessdate=September 23, 2016|agency=CNN|date=September 22, 2016|first1=Evan|last1=Perez|first2=Shimon|last2=Prokupecz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924012846/http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/22/politics/ahmad-rahami-timeline-details/|archive-date=September 24, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On September 19, following her husband's arrest, she was stopped by the [[United Arab Emirates]] authorities. Two days later, she returned to New York and was questioned by the investigators.<ref name=WifeIsBack4Questioning>{{cite web|first=Jessica|last=Remo|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_rahamis_wife_back_in_us_for_questioning.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's wife is back in U.S. for questioning|work=[[NJ.com]]|date=September 22, 2016|accessdate=September 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923101702/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_rahamis_wife_back_in_us_for_questioning.html|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The wife was cooperative and not accused of wrongdoing.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Catherine E.|last1=Shoichet|first2=Shimon|last2=Prokupecz|first3=Evan|last3=Perez|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-wife/|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's wife left US before bombings|publisher=CNN|date=September 20, 2016|accessdate=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921195435/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-wife/|archive-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
===Events of September 18–19===
[[File:SEEKING INFORMATION Ahmad Khan Rahami.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Notice published by the New York FBI, before arrest]]
====Manhunt====
After stopping the five men on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, FBI agents and Elizabeth police searched Rahimi's home in the early morning of September 18.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="WhoIsRahami" /> The FBI asked for public assistance in detaining Rahimi for questioning in connection with the bombings in Manhattan and Seaside Park, as well as the attempted overnight bombing in Elizabeth.<ref name="HuntforRahami"/>
At 7:39 a.m. on September 19, the NYPD posted a "Wanted" poster of Rahimi on [[Twitter]].<ref name="Willingham 2016"/> Seventeen minutes later, the [[Wireless Emergency Alerts|Wireless Emergency Alert system]] was used to send an alert message to the mobile phones of millions of people in New York City, marking the first time New York City used the emergency alert to search for a named suspect.<ref name="Willingham 2016">{{cite web | last=Willingham | first=AJ | title=The amazingly quick capture of Ahmad Rahami | website=CNN | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-rahami-capture-timeline-trnd/index.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919165152/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/19/us/ahmad-rahami-capture-timeline-trnd/index.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="GoodmanMassAlert">{{cite web | last1=Goodman | first1=J. David | last2=Gelles | first2=David | title=Cellphone Alerts Used in New York to Search for Bombing Suspect | website=The New York Times | date=September 19, 2016 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/cellphone-alerts-used-in-search-of-manhattan-bombing-suspect.html | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919230408/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/cellphone-alerts-used-in-search-of-manhattan-bombing-suspect.html | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The alert message read, "WANTED: Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28-yr-old male. See media for pic. Call 9-1-1 if seen."<ref name="GoodmanMassAlert"/> Mayor de Blasio said, "Anyone who sees this individual or knows anything about him or his whereabouts needs to call it in right away."<ref name=":1" /><ref name="Willingham 2016"/><ref name=BBCRahamiIsTheSuspect>{{cite news|title=New York bombing suspect named as Ahmad Khan Rahami|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37409441|accessdate=September 19, 2016|publisher=BBC News|date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919122343/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37409441|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Authorities said that Rahimi might be armed and dangerous.<ref name="HuntforRahami"/><ref name=":1" /><ref name="Willingham 2016"/><ref name=BBCRahamiIsTheSuspect/> Law enforcement put him on some [[terror watchlist]]s to prevent him from leaving the United States.<ref name="CapturedCNN" />
Concurrently, authorities started searching Rahimi's home in Elizabeth. The New Jersey State Police released two tweets, one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 10:56 a.m., both stating that Rahimi was wanted in connection with the Seaside Park and Elizabeth bombs.<ref name="Willingham 2016"/>
====Discovery, shootout, and arrest====
At around 10:30 a.m., a Linden bar owner was in a deli across the street from his bar, watching [[CNN]], when he saw a man sleeping in the bar's doorway. He recognized the man as Rahimi from news reports and called [[9-1-1]], saying "the guy looks a little suspicious and doesn't look good to me."<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Richmond|first1=Kait|title=Sikh man who found bombing suspect: 'I did what every American would have done'|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/harinder-bains-sikh-faith-trnd/index.html|accessdate=September 24, 2016|agency=CNN|date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923185031/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/20/us/harinder-bains-sikh-faith-trnd/index.html|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> When three Linden police officers arrived fifteen minutes later and awoke the man, they realized that the man was Rahimi.<ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name=CBS.Ordered/>
An officer ordered Rahimi to show his hands.<ref name=LindenRespondingOfficersNames>{{cite news|title='We caught a terrorist' says proud new Linden chief|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_press_conference.html|accessdate=September 20, 2016|publisher=NJ.com|date=September 19, 2016|first1=Tom|last1=Haydon|first2=Jessica|last2=Remo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923065404/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_press_conference.html|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Rahimi disregarded the order,<ref name=LindenRespondingOfficersNames/> retrieved a Glock 9 mm handgun,<ref name="NakashimaBermanWan"/> and shot the officer in the abdomen, striking his [[bulletproof vest]].<ref name=LindenRespondingOfficersNames/> The policeman returned fire and Rahimi fled, with police pursuing him.<ref name="HuntforRahami"/> Rahimi fired back indiscriminately.<ref name=WABC.Charged/> He encountered a second policeman seated in his vehicle, and fired into the windshield;<ref name="InspiredBinLaden" /> The officer was grazed in the head and struck by flying glass, then shot in the hand. None of the officers' injuries or conditions were serious.<ref name="CapturedCNN"/><ref name=WABC.Charged/><ref name=":1" /> During the shootout, Rahimi was shot at least seven times, hit in his liver<ref>{{cite news|last1=Remo|first1=Jessica|title=The case against accused bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi: Here's what happens next|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|accessdate=16 October 2016|publisher=nj.com|date=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018133146/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|archive-date=October 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and an artery,<ref>{{cite news|last1=McCarthy|first1=Craig|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami shot at least 7 times in Linden arrest, authorities say|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_shot_7_times_in_linden_arrest_au.html|accessdate=September 24, 2016|agency=NJ.com|date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927010319/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/09/ahmad_khan_rahami_shot_7_times_in_linden_arrest_au.html|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and sustained a shoulder wound.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="HuntforRahami"/><ref name=WABC.Charged/>
Rahimi was finally arrested, shortly before noon, and transported to [[University Hospital (Newark, New Jersey)|University Hospital]] by ambulance.<ref name="CapturedCNN" /><ref name="HuntforRahami" /><ref name="Sandoval Silverstein 2016">{{cite web | last1=Sandoval | first1=Edgar | last2=Marcius | first2=Chelsia Rose | last3=Rayman | first3=Graham | title=Cops arrest New Jersey resident Ahmad Khan Rahami, wanted for NYC and N.J. bombings, after he shoots police officer | website=The New York Daily News | date=September 19, 2016 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/man-wanted-nyc-nj-bombings-arrested-shooting-police-officer-article-1.2797960 | accessdate=September 19, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919231811/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/man-wanted-nyc-nj-bombings-arrested-shooting-police-officer-article-1.2797960 | archive-date=September 19, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=WABC.Charged>{{cite web|url=http://abc7ny.com/news/bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami-captured-in-linden-charged-with-attempted-murder/1517053/|title=Bombing Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami Captured in Linden, Charged With 5 Counts Attempted Murder|work=WABC-TV|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923054926/http://abc7ny.com/news/bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami-captured-in-linden-charged-with-attempted-murder/1517053/|archive-date=September 23, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He underwent numerous surgeries<ref name=FedsPickedHimUpPIX11/> and was in critical but stable condition.<ref name=CBS.Ordered>{{cite web|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/19/chelsea-blast-suspect/|title=Suspect In Chelsea, Seaside Park Explosions Ordered Held; Investigators Say 'No Indication' Of Broader Cell|work=CBS Local|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919205216/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/09/19/chelsea-blast-suspect/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New York bombing: Investigators seek 2 witnesses|url=http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/|accessdate=September 22, 2016|agency=CNN|date=September 21, 2016|first1=Evan|last1=Perez|first2=Shimon|last2=Prokupecz|first3=Amanda|last3=Wills|first4=Emanuella|last4=Grinberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922130923/http://us.cnn.com/2016/09/21/us/new-york-explosion-investigation/|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The severity of Rahimi's injuries made his ultimate survival uncertain.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Pete|title=Bombing Defendant, Ahmad Khan Rahimi, Charged with Attempted Murder|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bombing-defendant-ahmad-khan-rahimi-charged-attempted-murder-n665946|accessdate=16 October 2016|agency=NBC News|date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016101458/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bombing-defendant-ahmad-khan-rahimi-charged-attempted-murder-n665946|archive-date=October 16, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Officer Angel Padilla was released from the hospital that night, and Officer Peter Hammer, shot while in his car, was released the next day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Officers hurt in bombing suspect's takedown released from hospital|url=http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/officers-hurt-in-bombing-suspects-takedown-released-from-hospital/|accessdate=September 30, 2016|agency=Associated Press|publisher=PIX11|date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929001952/http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/officers-hurt-in-bombing-suspects-takedown-released-from-hospital/|archive-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Following Rahimi's arrest, investigators said there was "no indication" he was part of a broader terror cell,<ref name=CBS.Ordered/> nor that such a cell was "operating in the area."<ref name=WashPost.Arrested/> Rahimi was said to be initially uncooperative during interrogations.<ref name="CapturedCNN" />
===Prosecution===
====Federal trial and conviction====
On September 20, Rahimi was charged in the [[United States District Court for the Southern District of New York|U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York]] in Manhattan, by [[criminal complaint]], with four [[federal crime]]s including [[Weapon of mass destruction#Criminal (civilian)|use of weapons of mass destruction]] (count one); bombing a place of public use (count two); destruction of property by means of fire or explosives (count three); and use of a [[destructive device]] during and in furtherance of a crime of violence (count four).<ref name=SDNYComplaint>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/file/894486/download |title=Criminal Complaint |work=United States v. Ahmad Khan Rahami |publisher=[[United States District Court for the Southern District of New York]] |date=September 20, 2016 |accessdate=September 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924104112/https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/file/894486/download |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On the same day, the [[United States District Court for the District of New Jersey|U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] charged him with use of a weapon of mass destruction (counts one and two), bombings of a place of public use and public transportation system (count three), and attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive (count four).<ref name=DNJComplaint>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/file/894476/download |title=Criminal Complaint |work=United States v. Ahmad Khan Rahami |publisher=[[United States District Court for the District of New Jersey]] |date=September 20, 2016 |accessdate=September 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924103743/https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/file/894476/download |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Federal charges filed against Chelsea, NJ bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami|url=http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/federal-charges-filed-against-chelsea-nj-bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami/|accessdate=September 20, 2016|agency=PIX11|date=September 20, 2016|first1=Alyssa|last1=Zauderer|first2=Narmeen|last2=Choudhury|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922125718/http://pix11.com/2016/09/20/federal-charges-filed-against-chelsea-nj-bombing-suspect-ahmad-khan-rahami/|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On September 26, Rahimi's father and wife retained the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] (ACLU) to defend him on the federal charges. The ACLU represented Rahimi until he was given a [[federal public defender]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/27/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-father-and-wife-hire-aclu-to-defend-him.html|title=Ahmad Khan Rahami's Father and Wife Retain A.C.L.U. to Defend Him|work=The New York Times|date=September 27, 2016|accessdate=September 28, 2016|first1=Benjamin|last1=Weiser|first2=Eli|last2=Rosenberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930043026/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/27/nyregion/ahmad-khan-rahamis-father-and-wife-hire-aclu-to-defend-him.html|archive-date=September 30, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> An assistant federal public defender represented Rahimi at trial.<ref>Associated Press, [http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-york/2017/10/16/chelsea-bombing-ahmad-khan-rahimi-found-guilty-nyc-bombings-hurt-30/767869001/ Chelsea bombings: Ahmad Khan Rahimi found guilty in NYC bombings that hurt 30] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227062910/http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-york/2017/10/16/chelsea-bombing-ahmad-khan-rahimi-found-guilty-nyc-bombings-hurt-30/767869001/ |date=December 27, 2017 }} (October 16, 2017).</ref>
On November 10, after Rahimi had been moved into federal custody in Manhattan, he made an initial appearance in the Manhattan federal court to face terrorism charges. Rahimi's lawyer said in court that Rahimi had eight to ten surgeries and had liver damage.<ref name=FedsPickedHimUpPIX11>{{cite news|last1=Chasan|first1=Aliza|title=Chelsea bombing suspect appears in Manhattan Federal Court for first time|url=http://pix11.com/2016/11/10/chelsea-bombing-suspect-to-appear-in-manhattan-federal-court-for-first-time/|accessdate=November 10, 2016|agency=PIX11|date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111061404/http://pix11.com/2016/11/10/chelsea-bombing-suspect-to-appear-in-manhattan-federal-court-for-first-time/|archive-date=November 11, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Raymond|first1=Nate|title=Accused New York bomber faces charges in federal court|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-new-york-idUSKBN1351N0|accessdate=November 10, 2016|agency=Reuters|date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110142349/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-new-york-idUSKBN1351N0|archive-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Federal authorities argued that Rahimi was well enough to be in regular custody.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Neumeister|first1=Larry|title=Ahmad Khan Rahimi Makes First Manhattan Court Appearance in Chelsea Bombing Case|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ahmad-Khan-Rahami-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Court-New-York-City-Manhattan-Rahimi-400681351.html|accessdate=November 10, 2016|agency=NBC New York|date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111123023/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ahmad-Khan-Rahami-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Court-New-York-City-Manhattan-Rahimi-400681351.html|archive-date=November 11, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On November 16, Rahimi was indicted by a federal grand jury in Manhattan on eight criminal counts including use of a weapon of mass destruction; attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction; bombing a place of public use; destruction of property by means of fire or explosion; attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosion; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives; use of a destructive device during, and in furtherance of, a crime of violence (two counts).<ref>{{cite press release|title=Ahmad Khan Rahimi Indicted In Manhattan Federal Court On Terrorism Charges|url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ahmad-khan-rahimi-indicted-manhattan-federal-court-terrorism-charges|accessdate=November 16, 2016|agency=U.S. Department of Justice|publisher=[[U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York]]|date=November 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117064653/https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ahmad-khan-rahimi-indicted-manhattan-federal-court-terrorism-charges|archive-date=November 17, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A day later, Rahimi pleaded not guilty on all of the charges before U.S. District Judge [[Richard M. Berman]].<ref name=Reuters.Pleads>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-attacks-new-york-idUSL1N1DI11P|title=Accused New York City bomber pleads not guilty|agency=Reuters|date=November 17, 2016|accessdate=November 17, 2016|first1=Joseph|last1=Ax|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119140401/http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-attacks-new-york-idUSL1N1DI11P|archive-date=November 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
In April 2017, the defense team filed a motion for a [[change of venue]], requesting that the trial be held in [[Burlington, Vermont]]. They argued that the extensive pre-trial publicity in New York would prevent their client from getting a fair trial in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chelsea Bombing Suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi Wants Trial Moved to Vermont|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Ahmad-Rahimi-Wants-Trial-Moved-to-Vermont-418446713.html|publisher=NBC 4 New York|date=April 5, 2017|access-date=April 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414162340/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYC-Chelsea-Bombing-Suspect-Ahmad-Rahimi-Wants-Trial-Moved-to-Vermont-418446713.html|archive-date=April 14, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The court denied this motion the following month.<ref>Victoria Bekiempis, [http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/judge-denies-bid-move-chelsea-bombing-trial-n-y-article-1.3148303 New York judge rejects bid to move Chelsea bombing trial to another state] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511213228/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/judge-denies-bid-move-chelsea-bombing-trial-n-y-article-1.3148303 |date=May 11, 2017 }}, ''New York Daily News'' (May 8, 2017).</ref>
On October 16, 2017, after a two-week jury trial, Rahimi was found guilty of all eight charges in federal court in New York. The [[Mandatory sentencing|mandatory]] sentence is [[life without parole]].<ref>{{cite news|authors=Ellie Kaufman, Lauren del Valle & Lawrence Crook III|title=Ahmad Rahimi found guilty in Chelsea bombing trial|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/16/us/ahmad-rahimi-verdict/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=October 16, 2017|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016185153/http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/16/us/ahmad-rahimi-verdict/index.html|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Wilson">Michael Wilson, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/16/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-verdict.html Chelsea Bomb Suspect Guilty in Attack That Sowed Terror Across Region] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223141332/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/16/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-verdict.html |date=December 23, 2017 }}, ''New York Times'' (October 16, 2017).</ref> Rahimi was removed from the courtroom during opening statements after making repeated outbursts.<ref>Associated Press, [http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/10/accused_bomber_rahimi_tossed_from_courtroom.html Accused bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi thrown out of court during trial] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227124634/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/10/accused_bomber_rahimi_tossed_from_courtroom.html |date=December 27, 2017 }} (October 2, 2017).</ref> During the trial, the government introduced into evidence Rahimi's fingerprints and DNA on unexploded bombs and bomb debris; videotape of Rahimi pulling the luggage containing the bombs; and testimony from detectives, computer analysts, and others.<ref name="Wilson"/> The government also presented as evidence a journal carried by Rahimi at the time of his arrest that read: "Everything had to be done quietly and I had to lie to cover my tracks. The sounds of the bombs will be heard in the streets. Gun shots to your police. Death to your oppression." The government also presented evidence from Rahimi's Internet bookmarks, which included bomb-making guides that appeared in al-Qaeda propaganda.<ref>Michael Wilson, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial-closing-argument.html Prosecutors Say Chelsea Bombing Suspect Had 'Evil in His Heart'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227123212/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/12/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial-closing-argument.html |date=December 27, 2017 }}, ''New York Times'' (October 12, 2017).</ref><ref>Michael Wilson, [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial.html Key Evidence in Chelsea Bombing Trial: Articles on Building Bombs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227180330/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/nyregion/chelsea-bombing-trial.html |date=December 27, 2017 }}, ''New York Times'' (October 3, 2017).</ref> A juror interviewed following the verdict called the evidence of guilt overwhelming.<ref name="Wilson"/> Officials also stated that he tried to convert other jailers to extremist ideologies before and during the trial.<ref>{{cite web | last=Weiser | first=Benjamin | title=Convicted Bomber Tried to Radicalize Fellow Inmates, Officials Say | website=The New York Times | date=October 16, 2017 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/22/nyregion/convicted-bomber-tried-to-radicalize-fellow-inmates-officials-say.html | access-date=February 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214093152/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/22/nyregion/convicted-bomber-tried-to-radicalize-fellow-inmates-officials-say.html | archive-date=February 14, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> On February 13, 2018, Rahimi was sentenced to life in prison without parole.<ref>{{cite web | last=Fedschun | first=Travis | title=Chelsea bomber gets multiple life prison sentences for New York blast that injured 30 | website=Fox News | date=February 13, 2018 | url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/13/chelsea-bomber-sentenced-to-multiple-terms-life-in-prison-for-new-york-blast-that-injured-30.html | access-date=February 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214001824/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/13/chelsea-bomber-sentenced-to-multiple-terms-life-in-prison-for-new-york-blast-that-injured-30.html | archive-date=February 14, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title="Chelsea bomber" Ahmad Khan Rahimi gets life in prison for NYC, N.J. blasts | website=CBS News | date=February 13, 2018 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chelsea-bomber-ahmad-khan-rahimi-gets-life-in-prison-for-nyc-n-j-blasts/ | access-date=February 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213221733/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chelsea-bomber-ahmad-khan-rahimi-gets-life-in-prison-for-nyc-n-j-blasts/ | archive-date=February 13, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
====State prosecution====
On the night of September 19, Rahimi was charged in [[New Jersey Superior Court]] with five counts of [[attempted murder]] of a law enforcement officer in relation to the shootout in Linden. He was also charged with second-degree [[unlawful possession of a weapon]] and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, both in relation to the handgun found in his possession.<ref name="FBI"/><ref name=WABC.Charged/><ref name=WashPost.Arrested/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/09/explosion-chelsea-new-york/500498/|title=What We Know: The Explosions in New York and New Jersey|work=The Atlantic|date=September 19, 2016|accessdate=September 19, 2016|first1=Matt|last1=Ford|first2=Krishnadev|last2=Calamur|first3=Marina|last3=Koren|first4=Matt|last4=Vasilogambros|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919121655/http://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/09/explosion-chelsea-new-york/500498/|archive-date=September 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On October 13, after a delay caused by his ongoing recovery from [[#Discovery, shootout, and arrest|gunshot wounds]], Rahimi appeared, by teleconference, in New Jersey State Court to plead not guilty to the charges against him.<ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_CNN>{{cite news|last1=Sanchez|first1=Ray|title=Bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi pleads not guilty|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-pleads-not-guilty/index.html|accessdate=October 13, 2016|agency=CNN|date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014061613/http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/us/ahmad-khan-rahami-pleads-not-guilty/index.html|archive-date=October 14, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=RahimiInitialPleaNJ_Reuters>{{cite news|last1=Ax|first1=Joseph|title=Accused New York bomber pleads not guilty from hospital bed|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-plea-idUSKCN12D2OU|accessdate=October 13, 2016|agency=Reuters|date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013210719/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-attacks-plea-idUSKCN12D2OU|archive-date=October 13, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=NJ.Next>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|title=The case against accused bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi: Here's what happens next|work=NJ.com|date=October 14, 2016|accessdate=October 19, 2016|first=Jessica|last=Remo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019034000/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/10/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_what_happens_nex.html|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
On October 18, Rahimi was moved from the hospital to the [[New Jersey State Prison]] in [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]].<ref>{{cite news|title=NY, NJ bomb suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi out of hospital, into prison|url=http://abc7ny.com/news/ny-nj-bomb-suspect-out-of-hospital-into-prison/1561551/|accessdate=18 October 2016|agency=WABC Eyewitness News|date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019151208/http://abc7ny.com/news/ny-nj-bomb-suspect-out-of-hospital-into-prison/1561551/|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On November 10, ahead of hearings in his case, Rahimi was moved from the medical unit at Trenton State Prison to the [[Metropolitan Correctional Center, New York|Metropolitan Correctional Center]] in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Benjamin|last1=Weiser|first2=Adam|last2=Goldman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/11/nyregion/ahmad-rahami-manhattan-bombing-suspect-court.html|title=Ahmad Rahami, Manhattan Bombing Suspect, Makes His First Court Appearance|work=The New York Times|date=November 10, 2016|accessdate=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116051033/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/11/nyregion/ahmad-rahami-manhattan-bombing-suspect-court.html|archive-date=November 16, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Marisa|last1=Iati|first2=Jessica|last2=Remo|url=http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/11/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_pleads_not_guilt.html|title=Bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahimi doesn't enter a plea on weapons charges|work=[[NJ.com]]|date=November 10, 2016|accessdate=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113075604/http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2016/11/bombing_suspect_ahmad_khan_rahimi_pleads_not_guilt.html|archive-date=November 13, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Response==
[[File:New-york-governor-cuomo.webm|thumb|thumbtime=1|VOA - A portion of Governor Cuomo's press conference]]
Governor Cuomo released a statement following the Manhattan bombing, saying, "We are closely monitoring the situation and urge New Yorkers to, as always, remain calm and vigilant."<ref name="NYT"/> The day following the bombing, Cuomo and de Blasio toured the damage together.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/>
[[Hamdullah Mohib]], Afghanistan's ambassador to the U.S., released a statement saying the Afghan government condemned the bombings and promising the country's cooperation with the investigation.<ref name=WashPost.Arrested/>
In a statement, the [[Council on American–Islamic Relations]] welcomed the arrest of Rahimi, saying, "American Muslims, like all Americans, reject extremism and violence, and seek a safe and secure nation. Our nation is most secure when we remain united and reject the fear-mongering and guilt by association often utilized following such attacks."<ref name=WashPost.Arrested/>
Security was boosted across New York City's five [[Borough (New York City)|boroughs]] as a precaution.<ref name="CNN"/> Cuomo said that, while there was no ongoing threat, he would deploy 1,000 additional [[New York National Guard|National Guard]] troopers and [[New York State Police|State Police]] officers to major commuter hubs during the [[General Debate of the seventy-first session of the United Nations General Assembly|United Nations General Assembly]] meeting which began when the bombings were unfolding.<ref name="SantoraNYT"/><ref name="CapturedCNN" />
In the two days following the Manhattan bombing, the NYPD received 406 phone calls reporting suspicious packages in the city. None were found to contain bombs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3014ab3ce2eb45cc920d158626f670fd/latest-justice-dept-wants-bring-rahami-nyc-soon|title=The Latest: Judge Won't Order Federal Arraignment for Rahami|agency=Associated Press|date=September 22, 2016|accessdate=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019004048/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3014ab3ce2eb45cc920d158626f670fd/latest-justice-dept-wants-bring-rahami-nyc-soon|archive-date=October 19, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The [[Yelp]] listing for a chicken restaurant owned by Rahimi's family was [[review bomb]]ed in retaliation for the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/09/22/494935022/what-happens-when-yelp-restaurant-reviews-turn-political|title=What Happens When Yelp Restaurant Reviews Turn Political?|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=2019-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325011654/https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/09/22/494935022/what-happens-when-yelp-restaurant-reviews-turn-political|archive-date=March 25, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mic.com/articles/154634/yelp-reviewers-drag-chicken-restaurant-owned-by-nyc-bombing-suspect-s-family|title=Yelp reviewers drag chicken restaurant owned by NYC bombing suspect's family|website=mic.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325011654/https://mic.com/articles/154634/yelp-reviewers-drag-chicken-restaurant-owned-by-nyc-bombing-suspect-s-family|archive-date=March 25, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
==See also==
*[[Jihadist extremism in the United States]]
*[[List of terrorist incidents in September 2016]]
*{{section link|Terrorism in the United States|2010–present}}
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
{{GeoGroup}}
*{{Commons category-inline|2016 Manhattan explosion}}
{{Portal bar|Criminal justice|New York City}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:New York and New Jersey bombings, 2016}}
[[Category:2010s in Manhattan]]
[[Category:2016 crimes in New Jersey]]
[[Category:2016 in New York City|Bombings]]
[[Category:23rd Street (Manhattan)]]
[[Category:Attacks in the United States in 2016]]
[[Category:Chelsea, Manhattan]]
[[Category:Crimes in New York City]]
[[Category:Elizabeth, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Explosions in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Improvised explosive device bombings in the United States]]
[[Category:Islamic terrorist incidents in 2016]]
[[Category:Islamic terrorism in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Linden, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Plots and attacks using pressure cooker bombs]]
[[Category:Seaside Park, New Jersey]]
[[Category:September 2016 crimes in the United States|New York and New Jersey bombings]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in New York City]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in the United States in 2016]]' |
