Gainesville: 15-Year-Old Student Charged Over ISIS-Linked Bomb Plot
Alachua County deputies arrested a Buchholz High School junior after finding chemical jars and digital files related to explosive devices.
By Chloe Martin ·
A 15-year-old student at Buchholz High School in Gainesville was arrested following a joint investigation by local law enforcement and the FBI. The probe determined the teen was attempting to construct bombs while communicating online with members and supporters of the Islamic State group.
Deputies initiated the inquiry after learning the student was holding conversations with ISIS affiliates. Investigators stated the minor requested assistance in building drones and explosives for an attack at a location that had not yet been identified.
Officers spoke with the teen’s parents on Friday, who authorized a search of the boy’s mobile phone. The device contained files with instructions for creating explosive devices and chemical compounds, alongside ISIS propaganda material.
Following the phone search, investigators returned to the residence on Monday with the family’s consent. They located two jars in the student’s bedroom. The teen told detectives the containers held chemicals used to synthesize TATP, a potent explosive known as triacetone triperoxide.
The Alachua County Bomb Squad responded to the home to secure the materials. Detectives then completed a search of the property. The student was charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated additional charges are possible as the case develops.
Family members spoke off camera and said they still had questions about the investigation. They declined to provide further comments.
Source: WVUE-DT
