Florida teen arrested for planning ISIS-linked bomb attacks
A 15-year-old student in Gainesville was charged after deputies found chemical jars and digital files linked to explosive devices in his home.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Local law enforcement agencies in Alachua County are investigating a high school student suspected of planning violent attacks in coordination with a foreign terrorist group. The 15-year-old student at Buchholz High School was arrested following a joint operation between the county sheriff’s office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Investigators stated that the teen had been communicating online with members and supporters of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS.
According to authorities, the student requested assistance to construct drones and explosives intended for an attack at an unspecified location. The initial probe began on Friday when officials visited the teen’s residence. After speaking with the parents, deputies were permitted to examine the student’s smartphone. The device contained files with instructions for creating explosive devices and chemical compounds, alongside ISIS propaganda materials.
The discovery on the phone prompted a second search of the home on Monday, again with parental consent. Detectives located two jars in the student’s bedroom. The 15-year-old told investigators that the jars held chemicals used to produce triacetone triperoxide, commonly referred to as TATP, which is a highly unstable and dangerous explosive. The Alachua County Bomb Squad unit responded to the scene to secure the materials before detectives completed their search of the property.
The student has been charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. Family members provided brief off-camera remarks stating that they still had many questions about the investigation and declined to offer further comment at this time.
