17-Year-Old Boy Arrested By FBI For Planning A Catastrophic Terrorist Attack

17-Year-Old Boy In Contact With Al-Qaeda Affiliated Group Arrested By FBI For Planning A Catastrophic Terrorist Attack

A 17-year-old Philadelphia boy is facing several charges after being arrested in connection to a terrorism probe. The young man’s charges include weapons of mass destruction, criminal conspiracy, arson, and causing or risking catastrophe. According to ABC news, the young man was allegedly communicating with a terrorist group called KTJ—which was created in 2022 and is affiliated with al-Qaeda.

The investigation initially began after the FBI became aware of the teen’s alleged communication with the group over Instagram. Over a period of weeks, the FBI was able to piece together more information, which also included surveillance footage.

The teen suspect was allegedly sending and receiving media containing terrorist propaganda and made plans to go overseas with intentions to join the terrorist group. The teen is also said to have allegedly acquired chemicals and had taken steps to build a weapon of mass destruction.

 

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And if that’s not enough, according to authorities, a WhatsApp account linked to the teen’s phone number was also found by investigators to have a terrorist banner, as its profile photo. He reportedly later changed the photo to the image of the ISIS banner.

More evidence was revealed in a statement from Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Field Office, Jacqueline Maguire, in a press conference that took place after the teen was charged. “Among the items he purchased were tactical equipment, wiring, chemicals and devices often used as remote detonators,” she said.

“He had not only taken steps in acquiring those items and materials that are commonly used in improvised explosive devices, but that he had also taken steps to start putting potential devices together.”

Since then, authorities have provided records showing that 14 international shipments of military gear went to the teen’s address. Two locations linked to the teen have also been searched. Guns recovered were reportedly linked to his father, who claims to have no cooperation.