PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix man has been convicted of hate crimes after planting backpacks in a bomb hoax at Christian churches in the southwest, including Arizona.

Investigators say Zimnako Salah, 45, was found guilty of conveying a bomb threat hoax after strapping a backpack around a toilet at a Christian church in Roseville, California. Officials classified the incident as a hate crime, as the jury found Salah targeted the church because of its religion.

At the other two churches, Salah was confronted by security before he could plant the bags.

Authorities say during the investigation, FBI bomb technicians discovered he had been building a bomb that would fit inside a backpack. Authorities found parts of an improvised explosive device (IED) inside Salah’s storage unit.

“This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.”

Investigators searched Salah’s social media accounts and discovered he had watched videos of ISIS murders.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith said that the bomb hoax was “not an isolated incident or a prank.” “His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs,” Beckwith added.

Salah faces a maximum of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18.

Phoenix man convicted of bomb threat hoax targeting Christian churches