Florida Teen, 15, Arrested in Gainesville, Alachua County: Accused of ISIS Contacts and Keeping Explosive Chemicals at Home
A 15-year-old boy in Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, was arrested on October 26 after investigators accused him of communicating with members and supporters of the Islamic State (ISIS) about building drones and explosives, and of keeping chemicals used to make an explosive at his home. In a release issued on October 27, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said the teenager is charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device and could face additional charges. He is not named in this report because he is a minor.
According to the Sheriff's Office, acting on credible intelligence, the Sheriff's Office and the FBI went to the teenager's home in the 9000 block of NW 59th Lane in Gainesville on October 23 to conduct a joint investigation. Investigators said the teenager had asked unidentified ISIS members and supporters for guidance on how to build drones and explosives to attack people in an indoor location that has not yet been determined.
After investigators made contact with the teenager and his parents and discussed their concerns, the parents gave investigators consent to seize and search the teenager's phone. A preliminary review of the phone revealed files containing instructions for making explosive devices and chemical compounds, as well as ISIS propaganda.
On October 26, investigators returned to the home to conduct a follow-up investigation. While inside, the teenager's mother alerted investigators to two jars found in the teenager's bedroom. When questioned about the jars' contents, the teenager explained that they contained different chemical agents used to make "TATP" (triacetone triperoxide), which the Sheriff's Office described as a dangerous and unstable explosive that can detonate unexpectedly. The home was immediately evacuated, and the Sheriff's Office Bomb Team was called out to assess the materials and secure the scene. After the residence was deemed safe, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant.
The teenager was arrested and charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. The Sheriff's Office said there is potential for additional charges as the investigation continues, and that no further details will be released at this time because of the ongoing and sensitive nature of the case. The charge has not been adjudicated in court.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：阿拉楚阿县警长办公室发布的本案公告图，图中为该办公室巡逻车。阿拉楚阿县警长办公室发布（执法机关官方发布图片） / Photo: Case announcement graphic released by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, showing a Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle. Official law-enforcement release image, Alachua County Sheriff's Office
