News Summary
Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a Kenyan national convicted of plotting a 9/11-style terrorist attack, has delayed his sentencing by requesting new attorneys. Initially set for March 24, the hearing will now occur on April 7, 2025. Abdullah’s troubling background includes connections to al-Shabaab and a plot to crash an aircraft into Atlanta’s Bank of America Plaza. The prosecution seeks a life sentence due to the severity of his actions, reflecting his ongoing threat to public safety.
Kenyan National Cholo Abdi Abdullah Delays Sentencing after Requesting New Lawyers for 9/11-Style Terrorism Plot
In a shocking turn of events, Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a Kenyan national convicted of plotting a 9/11-style terrorist attack on U.S. soil, has requested new legal representation just ahead of his sentencing. Initially scheduled for March 24, the hearing has been delayed following Abdullah’s desire to “start fresh” with different attorneys.
From Trial to Conviction
Abdullah, who opted to represent himself during his trial, was found guilty on all six federal counts related to his terrorist activities. The judge has announced plans to appoint new lawyers for him, as Abdullah has actively sought to change his legal strategy.
A Troubling Background
Joining the notorious al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, in 2015 marked a dark turn in Abdullah’s journey. His increasing religiosity led him to embrace the teachings of Anwar al-Awlaki, and he subsequently underwent extensive training with al-Shabaab in Somalia. This included learning how to operate assault rifles and create explosives, skills that would be pivotal to his ill-fated plans.
Flight School Ambitions
From 2016 to 2019, Abdullah pursued a dream of aviation while attending flight school in the Philippines. He earned his private pilot’s license and was close to achieving a commercial pilot’s certification. These credentials raised alarm bells when it was revealed that he planned to crash an aircraft into the 55-story Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta.
A Deadly Attack and Arrest
In January 2019, a hit squad associated with Abdullah’s safe house orchestrated a tragic attack on the DusitD2 complex in Nairobi, Kenya, resulting in the deaths of 14 innocent people. A year later, Abdullah found himself under arrest, the result of a tip-off from his own mother. He was transferred to U.S. custody in December 2020, where he faced multiple terrorism-related charges.
Trial and Sentencing Delays
After pleading not guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Abdullah’s trial commenced in October 2024. A conviction on six federal charges followed in November, but not without drama and controversy. Despite the evidence stacked against him, Abdullah has shown a pattern of evasion, most notably refusing to engage in a pre-sentencing interview with authorities.
Prosecutors Seek a Harsh Punishment
The prosecution is advocating for a life sentence, underlining the severity of Abdullah’s actions and his continuing threat to public safety. With his extensive training and an evident lack of concern for innocent lives, they stress the importance of keeping Abdullah behind bars. The sentencing has now been rescheduled for April 7, 2025, as he remains in custody amid these turbulent developments.
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Additional Resources
- WSBTV: Man Convicted of Foiled Atlanta Terror Plot
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Sentencing Delayed for al-Shabaab Terrorist
- ABC News: Cholo Abdi Abdullah Sentencing Hearing Delayed
- WSB Radio: Kenyan Man to Be Sentenced for Plotting 9/11-Style Attack
- Atlanta News First: Bourbon Street Attack Suspect Attended Georgia State University
- Wikipedia: Terrorism
- Google Search: Cholo Abdi Abdullah Terrorism Plot
- Google Scholar: Cholo Abdi Abdullah
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Terrorism
- Google News: Cholo Abdi Abdullah
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
