Convicted Terrorist Receives 50-Year Prison Sentence
Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy was sentenced for a 2020 prison attack on two correctional officers.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Terrorism
Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, a 28-year-old Canadian national previously convicted of plotting terrorist attacks in New York City, received a 50-year sentence for attacking two guards. The assault took place at USP Allenwood and resulted in one officer losing an eye.
Why it matters
The new sentence, which El Bahnasawy will serve consecutively to his original 40-year term, follows his admission of carrying out the attack in the name of ISIS. Investigators discovered a pledge of allegiance to the group in his cell following the 2020 incident.
El Bahnasawy pleaded guilty in November 2025 to assault with intent to murder and possession of contraband. He was sentenced on October 19, 2026, following the initial investigation into the December 2020 attack.
The players
Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy
The 28-year-old Ontario native was convicted of both a 2016 New York City terror plot and a 2020 violent prison assault.
FBI
This federal agency is responsible for investigating domestic terrorism and successfully infiltrated the 2016 plot.
ISIS
This extremist organization was the beneficiary of the defendant's pledged allegiance and the motivation cited for his prison violence.
The details
During the attack at USP Allenwood, El Bahnasawy used a weapon fashioned from a steel desk to stab one officer in the head and face and a second in the hand. The incident occurred while he was already serving time for his 2016 arrest after plotting attacks in New York City.
Timeline
2016: Bahnasawy plotted attacks in New York City.
May 2016: Bahnasawy was arrested by the FBI.
December 7, 2020: Bahnasawy attacked two correctional officers at USP Allenwood.
November 2025: Bahnasawy pleaded guilty to assault and contraband charges.
October 19, 2026: Bahnasawy was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Legal Context
The sentencing follows the original conviction tied to the 2016 New York City terrorist plot, highlighting the escalation of threats posed by incarcerated extremists. This case mirrors broader trends in the federal prosecution of violent acts committed by radicalized individuals within the U.S. prison system.
This case underscores ongoing security measures within federal facilities to protect correctional staff from violent inmates. Local communities and the public remain informed about the status of individuals convicted of terror-related crimes through federal court records.
The takeaway
The court's decision to run the 50-year sentence consecutively reinforces the judicial approach to violent behavior by incarcerated individuals. This ensures that criminal acts committed behind bars carry distinct and significant legal consequences.
Further reading
For more information on national security prosecutions, visit the Terrorism section.
