A Philadelphia teenager is facing serious charges after being arrested for allegedly plotting a potentially catastrophic terrorist attack.
Federal authorities revealed that the 17-year-old had been communicating with a terror group affiliated with al Qaeda and had been gathering materials to construct explosives.
The FBI SWAT officers apprehended the unnamed teenager at his West Philadelphia home on August 11 as part of an investigation led by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
According to officials, the youth is believed to have been in contact with Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad, an organization designated as a global terrorist group by the State Department in 2022.
Although the group operates primarily in Syria’s Idlib Province, it has links to al Qaeda and has been connected to previous attacks, including the 2017 metro attack in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and a suicide car bombing in Kyrgyzstan in 2016.
Allegedly, the juvenile received instructions from the terror group on creating improvised explosive devices. FBI agents reportedly observed the teenager purchasing bomb-making materials and tactical gear prior to his arrest.
“The work of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force potentially thwarted a catastrophic terrorist attack in the name of a perverted ideology that in no way, shape, or form represents the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of peace-seeking people of faith, including Muslims,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement.
“The charges we have filed against this individual represent the most serious alleged terrorist activity prosecuted in Philadelphia County court in recent history. We intend to pursue full accountability for these crimes and will continue to work vigilantly with our law enforcement partners to protect all of our communities from hateful, ideologically driven acts of violence,” Krasner added.
The teen, who remains unnamed due to his juvenile status, is not facing federal charges at this time. Typically, US attorneys’ offices do not handle terrorism-related juvenile cases. However, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office intends to file a motion to prosecute the suspect as an adult. Charges could potentially escalate to the federal level as the investigation progresses.
The teenager is currently facing charges that include weapons of mass destruction, criminal conspiracy, arson, causing/risking catastrophe, attempt to commit criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire indicated that the teen seemed to be preparing to travel overseas to join or support terrorist activities.
The suspect had recently been observed purchasing tactical equipment, chemicals, wiring, and devices that could serve as remote detonators.
“Most concerning however, was the evidence that he had access to firearms and had purchased items and materials commonly used in the construction of improvised explosive devices,” McGuire claimed.
