Arizona man charged over alleged mass attack plot

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 02:01 · Archive

Matthew Bjornholt, 27, was charged with making a terroristic threat after allegedly planning a mass attack at a Jewish or Muslim site.

Matthew Bjornholt, 27, appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court on Saturday charged with one count of making a terroristic threat. Prosecutors alleged he told another person in late September that he was planning to attack a Jewish or Muslim site in Arizona, saying that after bombs went off, an accomplice would start 'picking off people'.

During a search of his home, investigators found three firearms and a copy of 'The Anarchist Cookbook', which contains instructions for making explosives. Prosecutors described the book as Bjornholt's 'Bible'.

The prosecution requested a $500,000 cash bond, arguing Bjornholt posed a danger to the community. They cited his criminal history, including a first-degree murder charge in 2022 that was dismissed after he accepted a plea deal, and his history of failing to appear in court. The judge noted such a high bond is typically reserved for homicide cases.

Bjornholt's attorney countered that there was no evidence he was a danger or a flight risk, pointing out he made every court appearance in the dismissed murder case. The attorney also disputed the allegations, saying the three guns were legally owned after his rights were restored following his first felony conviction, no bomb-making material was found, and the ammunition was only enough to fill standard magazines. He argued the case relied on hearsay from a man who was kicked out of Bjornholt's house days before.

How it is being reported

• Arizona man called ‘Anarchist Cookbook’ his ‘Bible’ in terror plot, prosecutors sayMatthew Bjornholt faced a judge Saturday on a terrorist threat charge in an alleged mass attack plot targeting a Jewish or Muslim site in Arizona.KOLD · 18 Oct, 22:35
• Arizona man called ‘Anarchist Cookbook’ his ‘Bible’ in terror plot, prosecutors sayMatthew Bjornholt faced a judge Saturday on a terrorist threat charge in an alleged mass attack plot targeting a Jewish or Muslim site in Arizona.Azfamily · 18 Oct, 21:11

In this story: Matthew Bjornholt · Maricopa County Superior Court · Arizona

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