A 17-year-old teenager from Philadelphia has been apprehended by FBI SWAT officers after being accused of planning a potentially catastrophic terrorist attack. The arrest came after an investigation led by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, which uncovered the teen’s alleged communication with an al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group and his acquisition of bomb-making materials. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating that this represents one of the most significant alleged terrorist activities prosecuted in Philadelphia County court in recent history.
The teenager is suspected of being in contact with Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad, a global terrorist organization designated by the State Department in 2022. This group, with ties to al-Qaeda, primarily operates in Syria’s Idlib Province. However, it has also been linked to attacks in Russia and Kyrgyzstan. The FBI observed the juvenile purchasing bomb-making materials and “outdoor or tactical gear” before his arrest. The investigation revealed that the teenager had been receiving guidance from the terror group on constructing improvised explosive devices.
While the suspect will not face federal charges at this time due to his status as a juvenile, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office intends to file a motion to prosecute him as an adult. This could potentially escalate the charges to the federal level as the investigation progresses. The teenager currently faces charges including weapons of mass destruction, criminal conspiracy, arson, causing/risking catastrophe, attempt to commit criminal mischief, possessing an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire expressed concern over the teenager’s access to firearms and his acquisition of items commonly used in the construction of improvised explosive devices. The investigation revealed that the suspect had been purchasing tactical equipment, chemicals, wiring, and devices that could be used as remote detonators. Maguire emphasized that lives were potentially saved due to the investigation’s intervention.
A bulletin from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in 2018 highlighted the vulnerability of teenagers to radicalization by terror groups. These groups often target youths through online messaging, aiming to influence and recruit them for planning and conducting attacks. The memo also acknowledged the difficulty law enforcement faces in identifying juvenile terrorists, as their behaviors may not raise suspicion or concern.