Convicted ISIS Plotter Faces 130 More Years for Brutal Prison Attack on Guards

A knife attack left one guard permanently blinded—now the ISIS-linked inmate could spend the rest of his life behind bars. How did he turn a desk into a weapon?

, and Administrator

2025 November 6 . 9:10 AM

1 min read

In this image I can see a person holding a knife.

Convicted ISIS Plotter Faces 130 More Years for Brutal Prison Attack on Guards

Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, a Mississauga man already serving a 40-year sentence for plotting a 2016 terrorist attack in New York City, has pleaded guilty to assaulting two correctional officers in Pennsylvania. The attack, which occurred in 2020, has resulted in a potential maximum sentence of 130 years of imprisonment.

On Dec. 7, 2020, at 6:16 a.m., El Bahnasawy attacked two guards at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Pennsylvania. Using a 14.5-inch knife made from a steel desk, he permanently blinded one guard in one eye and caused him brain damage. Another officer was cut in the hand while trying to help.

El Bahnasawy's 2016 plot involved detonating bombs in Times Square and the New York City subway system, and shooting civilians at concert venues on behalf of ISIS. He pleaded guilty to seven terrorism-related offenses and received a 40-year sentence. A note found in his sock read, 'This is a terrorist attack for the Islamic State,' and a Pledge of Allegiance to ISIS was found taped to a locker door in his cell.

With the latest conviction, Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy faces a potential maximum sentence of 130 years of imprisonment. His actions have caused severe injuries to correctional officers, and he remains a threat to society. Authorities continue to monitor and address such threats to ensure public safety.