Arizona man accused of plotting mass casualty attack on religious site with ‘cookbook’ tied to OKC bombing

An Arizona man, Matthew Bjornholt, 27, is accused of planning an attack on a Jewish or Muslim place of worship. Prosecutors say the alleged plan involved explosives and guns, and that an accomplice would shoot survivors; the case matters because it raises concerns about a potential mass casualty attack, though the allegations remain contested.

Prosecutors say Bjornholt had a copy of *The Anarchist Cookbook*, which they described as linked to Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, and seized three guns and ammunition from his home. His lawyer argues the case rests on unverified claims from a former acquaintance, and says an earlier FBI search found no evidence of terrorism or bomb-making. A judge set bail at $100,000, below the $500,000 prosecutors sought, while finding probable cause for the case to proceed; Bjornholt is due back in court on 22 October.