A teenager is said to have been arrested for planning a "potentially catastrophic terrorist attack" in Philadelphia, USA.
Authorities discovered that the 17-year-old boy was linked to a terrorist group with links to al-Qaeda. It is alleged that the defendant also collected bomb-making materials.
The FBI arrested the teenager on August 11 as part of an investigation led by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.
"The work of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has the potential to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack in the name of an evil ideology without in any way representing, shaping, or shaping the beliefs of the majority of people of faith who are seeking peace, including Muslims,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner told the New York Post. Officials said the teen was linked to Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad, an organization designated by the State Department as a global terrorist group by 2022.
"The charges we have filed against this individual represent the most serious suspected terrorist activity prosecuted in the Philadelphia County Courts in recent history. We intend to pursue a full investigation. fully responsible for these crimes and will continue to work vigilantly with our law enforcement partners to protect all of them,” added Larry Krasner.
Prosecution as a capable adult
Although the defendant - due to his age - remains immune to federal charges, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is likely to file a motion to prosecute the teenager as an adult.
The charges could be brought federally as the investigation continues, Krasner said Monday. Typically, U.S. prosecutors' offices do not handle juvenile cases, including those involving terrorism.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire said the defendant "appears to be taking steps to travel abroad to participate in or aid in terrorist activity."
"What is most disturbing, however, is the evidence that he had a gun and purchased items and materials commonly used to make improvised explosive devices," McGuire told the New York Post.
The teenager was targeted after it was alleged that he - during surveillance - purchased tactical equipment and chemicals, which were used as remote detonators.
