Honduran Citizen Charged With Attempting to Use an Explosive Device in Popular Miami Mal

Vicente Adolfo Solano, 53, a citizen of Honduras residing in Miami, has been charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in a planned attack at a shopping mall in Miami.

Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Langan of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement. 

As described in the complaint, Solano planned to place and detonate an explosive device in a crowded area of a popular Miami mall.  Solano discussed his plot with a confidential human source and two FBI undercover employees.  According to the complaint, Solano provided three videos to the source, in which Solano makes pro-ISIS statements and expresses anti-U.S. sentiments.

Just prior to his arrest, Solano took possession of what he believed was an explosive device, took steps to arm it and walked toward a mall entrance in order to carry out his attack.  Unbeknownst to Solano, the device was inert and did not pose a risk to the public.

If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court after considering the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Solano is scheduled to have a pre-trial detention hearing on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chris M. McAliley.  The arraignment is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 6.  Solano traveled to the U.S. on a tourist visa and was granted temporary legal status for humanitarian reasons in 2002.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Mr. Boente and Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Gilbert of the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Jolie Zimmerman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.