Gainesville teen charged after FBI and sheriff find TATP chemicals and ISIS links
A 15-year-old from Gainesville, Florida was arrested after investigators found explosive-making chemicals and ISIS propaganda at his home. The Alachua County Sheriff's Office and FBI began the probe on 23 October.
Gainesville 15-year-old held after bomb materials and ISIS communications found at home
A 15-year-old Buchholz High School student was arrested in Gainesville, Florida, after investigators discovered chemicals used to produce TATP and files containing instructions for building explosive devices at his home, news4jax.com reports.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office and the FBI opened an investigation on 23 October after receiving a tip that the teenager had been communicating on social media with members and supporters of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. He allegedly sought guidance from those contacts on constructing drones and explosives for an attack at an unidentified indoor location.
The teen's parents agreed to a search of his phone. A preliminary review uncovered files with instructions for explosive devices and chemical compounds, along with ISIS propaganda material, the sheriff's office said.
Investigators returned to the home on Monday, at which point the teen's mother drew their attention to two jars in his bedroom. When asked about the contents, the teen stated they contained chemical agents used in the production of TATP — a highly unstable and dangerous explosive, according to the agency.
The home was evacuated while the sheriff's office Bomb Team assessed and secured the materials. Once the residence was declared safe, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant.
The teenager was charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. The sheriff's office noted that additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues. Investigators declined to release further details, citing the ongoing and sensitive nature of the case.
Criminal charges are often dropped or reduced, and anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)