Man arrested for causing $700K in damages at solar power generation facility in Florida

Man arrested for causing $700K in damages at solar power generation facility in Florida

Aug. 22, 2024
Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen has been indicted on four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility.

Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen has been indicted on four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. The 43-year-old Jordanian citizen who currently lives in Orlando, Florida, broken into a solar power generation facility and began destroying solar panel arrays. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Hnaihen caused over $700,000 in damages by smashing panels, cutting wires, and damaging electronic equipment.

This is not the first time Hnaihen has attacked businesses in Florida. He targeted companies that he believed supported the State of Israel, smashing glass and leaving warning letters, threatening to do more damage if his demands were not met. For his crimes, Hnaihen faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each incident, and up to 20 years for his actions at the energy facility.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said, “We allege that the defendant threatened to carry out hate-fueled mass violence in our country, motivated in part by a desire to target businesses for their perceived support of Israel. Such acts and threats of violence, whether they are targeting the places that Americans frequent every day or our country’s critical infrastructure, are extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated by the Justice Department.”

FBI Director Christopher Wray added, “Under the guise of expressing his beliefs, the defendant allegedly attacked a power facility and threatened local businesses, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Violence and destruction of property to threaten and intimidate others will never be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will work together to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence.”

Manufacturers violating the law

Manufacturer to pay $2.6 million for denying ties to China when applying for PPP loan
The DOJ claims that the company violated the False Claims Act in February 2021 when it applied for a second round PPP loan.

GE Aerospace violated False Claims Act and must pay $9,413,024
The company’s Lynn, Massachusetts manufacturing plant allegedly sold parts to the United States Army and Navy that were either not properly inspected or were nonconforming.

Preci Manufacturing to pay $150K for selling parts to the U.S. military that it failed to test
Preci Manufacturing did not test parts that it sold to the U.S. military, thereby violating its contract with the military and being unable to guarantee the strength and durability of the parts.

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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