Gainesville teen charged over bomb plot

Alachua County deputies arrested a 15-year-old student from Buchholz High School on Wednesday after a joint probe with the FBI revealed he was trying to construct explosive devices. The investigation began on Friday when investigators discovered the teen had been holding online conversations with members and supporters of the Islamic State group.

During those digital exchanges, the student asked for guidance on building drones and explosives intended for an attack at a location not yet identified. Law enforcement officials spoke with the boy's parents, who agreed to let officers examine his smartphone. The device contained files with instructions for creating explosive devices, lists of chemical compounds, and ISIS propaganda material.

Following the phone search, the family consented to a home search on Monday. In the teen's bedroom, detectives located two jars. The 15-year-old told investigators the containers held chemicals used to produce triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, a powerful and unstable explosive. The Alachua County Bomb Squad unit responded to the scene to secure the materials before detectives completed their sweep of the residence.

The student faces a charge of making or attempting to make a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may be added as the case develops. Family members speaking off camera said they still had many questions about the scope of the investigation but declined to offer further comment on the situation.