US Citizens Charged with Terrorism Following Armed Coup Attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Four Americans face terrorism, weapons and conspiracy charges in connection with a violent plot to overthrow the DRC government.

In a major development in international terrorism enforcement, four US citizens have been charged with participating in a violent coup attempt to topple the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that the men are facing terrorism charges, including conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, and plotting to assassinate senior foreign government leaders.

The accused—Marcel Malanga (22), Tyler Thompson (22), Benjamin Zalman-Polun (37) and Joseph Peter Moesser (67)—were allegedly part of a militant group that sought to install Christian Malanga, now deceased, as president of a self-declared regime called the New Zaire. Three of the defendants were extradited from the DRC and are set to appear in federal court in Brooklyn, New York. Moesser, who was arrested in Utah, is due to appear before a federal judge today, 10 April.

Terrorist Conspiracy to Overthrow the DRC Government

According to court documents, the group executed a coordinated terrorist attack on 20 May 2024, targeting both the Palais de la Nation—the official residence of President Félix Tshisekedi—and the private home of Deputy Prime Minister Vital Kamerhe. Armed with military-grade weapons and clad in combat gear, the attackers engaged in a deadly firefight that resulted in at least six fatalities, including two police officers and one civilian.

The operation formed part of a broader terrorism conspiracy, with the stated aim of overthrowing the legitimate DRC government and replacing it with a new leadership structure under the banner of the New Zaire.

Militant Roles & Tactical Warfare

The US Department of Justice alleges that each of the defendants played a specific and critical role in the terrorism plot:

• Marcel Malanga: Described as the self-styled “Chief of Staff” of the rebel Zaire army.

• Benjamin Zalman-Polun: Served as chief of staff to Christian Malanga and helped coordinate logistics.

• Joseph Moesser: Acted as explosives technician, supplier and trainer.

• Tyler Thompson: Identified as a drone specialist and combatant.

Prosecutors stated that the individuals conspired to provide material support and tactical expertise to a designated terrorist operation. This included drone-deployed bombs, flamethrower devices, and plans to target public buildings, government officials, and civilians.

Weapons of Mass Destruction & Transnational Terrorism

The defendants face some of the most serious terrorism-related charges under US federal law. These include conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, a charge reserved for threats involving indiscriminate or catastrophic violence. It is alleged that the group sought to deploy incendiary and explosive devices via drones and acquired military equipment including firearms, uniforms, and communication jammers.

Training sessions for the terrorist operation reportedly took place in both the United States and Africa. The group procured weapons from private parties and attempted to collaborate with individuals tied to a foreign military. The DOJ states that they transported arms and personnel from the US to the DRC to execute the plot.

Severe Criminal Penalties & Ongoing Counterterrorism Efforts

If convicted, the defendants face up to life imprisonment for charges related to terrorism, the use of weapons of mass destruction, and the attempted assassination of foreign government leaders. Malanga and Thompson also face an additional 15-year sentence for transporting firearms from the US for use in a terrorist act abroad.

The case is being led by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, with significant assistance from the FBI’s New York Field Office and the Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi, Kenya. The Office of International Affairs within the DOJ has provided vital support in the coordination of extradition and legal processes.

Sue J. Bai, Head of the DOJ’s National Security Division, Acting US Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah, and FBI Special Agent Mehtab Syed announced the charges, emphasising the continued US commitment to combating international terrorism and protecting democratic governments from violent extremist threats.

All individuals remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Read the press release here.