A convicted ISIS terrorist who permanently blinded a federal corrections officer in a vicious prison attack now faces up to 130 years behind bars, exposing the ongoing threat radical Islamic extremists pose even within our supposedly secure prison system.
Story Overview
- Canadian terrorist Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy pleaded guilty to attacking two prison guards, permanently blinding one officer
- Already serving 40 years for plotting ISIS mass-casualty attack in New York City during 2016
- Attack motivated by continued allegiance to ISIS, with written pledges found after assault
- Case highlights dangerous failures in managing radicalized inmates within federal prison system
ISIS Terrorist Escalates Violence Behind Bars
Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy’s December 2020 assault on corrections officers at USP Allenwood represents a chilling escalation of jihadist violence within America’s prison walls. The 27-year-old Canadian, already serving four decades for plotting ISIS-inspired bombings and shootings in New York City, brutally attacked two federal officers. One guard suffered permanent blindness, a devastating injury that will impact his life forever while serving his country’s security interests.
Pattern of Radicalization Continues Unchecked
El Bahnasawy’s path from terrorism plotter to prison attacker reveals the persistent threat of Islamic radicalization. Originally arrested in May 2016 for planning Ramadan attacks in New York City, he pleaded guilty that October and received his initial 40-year sentence in December 2018. Rather than using incarceration for rehabilitation, El Bahnasawy maintained his extremist ideology, demonstrated by written ISIS pledges discovered after his assault on prison staff.
The attack itself shows calculated violence typical of terrorist methodology. El Bahnasawy deliberately targeted corrections officers who were simply performing their duties protecting American citizens from dangerous criminals. His actions permanently disabled one officer, creating lifelong consequences for a public servant and his family while exposing serious vulnerabilities in how our justice system handles convicted terrorists.
Justice Department Responds with Maximum Force
U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller and Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg announced the guilty plea in June 2025, emphasizing the terrorism connection and severity of the assault. El Bahnasawy faces multiple charges including assault with intent to commit murder and providing material support to ISIS. The potential 130-year sentence reflects the compounded nature of his crimes and sends a clear message about consequences for attacking American law enforcement.
Prison Security Failures Demand Immediate Action
This case exposes critical gaps in federal prison management of high-risk terrorism inmates. El Bahnasawy’s ability to assault guards while already serving time for terrorism charges raises serious questions about monitoring protocols and security measures. Corrections officers and their families deserve better protection from violent extremists who view attacks on American personnel as religious duty rather than criminal behavior requiring genuine remorse and rehabilitation.
Sources:
Ontario man guilty of attack, NYC terror plot
Inmate who stabbed 2 PA corrections officers faces additional 130 years in prison
Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assault on Corrections Officers
Canadian inmate pleads guilty to terror-linked prison assault at Allenwood
