15-Year-Old Charged After Finding Two Jars of Chemicals at Florida Home
Deputies say the Buchholz High School student was planning to use drones and explosives to target an unknown location.
By Luka Tanaka ·
A 15-year-old student at Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida, was charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device this week. The arrest followed a joint investigation by the Alachua County sheriff’s deputies and the FBI.
Investigators learned the teen was having online conversations with members and supporters of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. During those chats, the student asked for help building drones and explosives to attack people at an unknown location.
Deputies went to the teen’s home on Friday to speak with his parents. The parents allowed officers to search the boy’s phone. Files on the device included instructions for making explosive devices, lists of chemical compounds, and ISIS propaganda.
After the parents shared the contents of the phone, investigators returned to the home on Monday with consent to search the property. In the teen’s bedroom, they found two jars. The student told detectives the jars held chemicals used to make TATP, a dangerous explosive.
The Alachua County Bomb Squad unit arrived to secure the materials. Detectives then completed their search of the home. The 15-year-old was charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Authorities said additional charges could be added as the investigation continues.
Family members spoke off camera after the arrest. They said they still had many questions about the investigation. They declined to comment further.
Source: KTVK
