Teen charged over homemade bomb plot

A 15-year-old student at Buchholz High School in Gainesville faces charges after authorities discovered he was preparing explosive devices while communicating with members of the Islamic State group. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest following a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Deputies said investigators learned the teenager was holding online conversations with ISIS members and supporters. According to the sheriff’s office, the student asked for assistance in constructing drones and explosives intended for an attack at an unspecified location. The joint team conducted its initial search of the home on Friday.

Officers spoke with the teen’s parents, who granted permission to examine the boy’s phone. Investigators reported that the device contained files with instructions for creating explosive devices and chemical compounds. They also found propaganda materials associated with the terrorist group. Based on these findings, detectives returned to the residence on Monday with the parents’ consent to conduct a full search.

During the Monday search, officers located two jars in the student’s bedroom. The 15-year-old told investigators that the jars held chemicals used to produce TATP, also known as triacetone triperoxide. The Alachua County Bomb Squad unit arrived at the home to secure the materials before detectives completed their inspection of the property.

The student was formally charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Law enforcement indicated that additional charges may be added as the inquiry proceeds. Family members who spoke off camera stated they still had questions about the investigation and declined to offer further comment.