A Kenyan al-Shabaab terrorist who meticulously planned to recreate the September 11 attacks by crashing a hijacked airliner into Atlanta’s tallest skyscraper has been sentenced to consecutive life terms, exposing the ongoing Islamic extremist threat to American soil.
Story Highlights
- Cholo Abdi Abdullah sentenced to two consecutive life terms for plotting 9/11-style attack on Atlanta skyscraper
- Terrorist obtained flight training in Philippines and researched Boeing 737 cockpit security procedures
- Al-Shabaab operative specifically targeted Bank of America Plaza, planning to hijack commercial airliner
- FBI arrest in 2019 prevented devastating attack reminiscent of September 11 horrors
Terrorist’s Extensive Planning and Training
Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 34, joined the Somalia-based terrorist organization al-Shabaab in 2015, where he received comprehensive training in explosives and covert operations. The Kenyan national demonstrated alarming dedication to his mission, spending years developing the skills necessary to execute a catastrophic attack on American civilians. His methodical approach mirrors the patient planning that made the September 11 attacks so devastating.
Flight School Deception in the Philippines
In 2017, Abdullah relocated to the Philippines to attend flight school, where he came dangerously close to obtaining a commercial pilot’s license. During this period, he conducted extensive research on critical aviation security elements, including air marshal procedures, Boeing 737 cockpit door mechanisms, and Delta Airlines flight operations. His research specifically focused on Atlanta’s tallest buildings, ultimately selecting the 55-story Bank of America Plaza as his primary target.
FBI Intervention Prevents Mass Casualty Attack
Abdullah’s terrorist plot was thwarted when he was arrested in 2019 on unrelated charges. During FBI interrogation, he openly admitted his intention to die while executing the attack, demonstrating the suicide mission nature of his plan. Federal prosecutors emphasized his high level of training and unwavering commitment to recreating the September 11 horrors that killed nearly 3,000 Americans.
The federal judge imposed not only two consecutive life sentences but also lifetime supervised release, ensuring Abdullah will never again threaten American lives. This case highlights the persistent threat posed by Islamic extremist organizations like al-Shabaab, which continue recruiting and training operatives to target American infrastructure and civilians on domestic soil.
