Four men who plotted to blow up synagogues in New York City were convicted Tuesday in federal court.
    
The men - James Cromitie, David Williams IV, Onta Williams and Laguerre Payen - were apprehended by Federal Bureau of Investigation during a terrorism sting last year. The FBI had been monitoring the homegrown terrorist cell for nearly a year.
 
Video evidence showed the men inspecting and practicing with fake weapons. According to federal prosecutors, the plot was masterminded by Cromitie.

Although the defense dismissed the sting as a "movie written, produced and directed" by the FBI, jurors found Cromitie and his three co-defendants guilty of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and other charges.
    
Besides to plotting to bomb several New York City synagogues, the group planned to shoot down military planes as well.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said homegrown terrorism was a "serious threat" and added: "We are safer today as a result of these convictions."