US: Teen with Al-Qaeda link Arrested for ‘Planning’ Terrorist Attack
Teen arrested in US with Al-Qaeda link for ‘Planning’ Terrorist Attack.
A teenager in the United States was arrested for Allegedly Planning a potentially “catastrophic terrorist attack”, as per Philadelphia authorities.
A teenager has been arrested allegedly for planning a potentially “catastrophic terrorist attack” in Philadelphia in the United States.
The authorities found out that the 17-year-old was in touch with a terror group affiliated with al-Qaeda. It has been claimed that the accused also gathered bomb-making material.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested the teen on August 11 as part of their probe headed by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
“The work of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force potentially thwarted a catastrophic terrorist attack in the name of a perverted ideology that in no way, shape, or form represents the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of peace-seeking people of faith, including Muslims,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner told the New York Post.
According to officials, the teen was in contact with Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad, an organisation designated as a global terrorist group by the State Department in 2022.
“The charges we have filed against this individual represent the most serious alleged terrorist activity prosecuted in Philadelphia County court in recent history. We intend to pursue full accountability for these crimes and will continue to work vigilantly with our law enforcement partners to protect all of our communities from hateful, ideologically driven acts of violence,” added Larry Krasner.
Prosecution as adult likely
Though the accused — given his age — remains immune to federal charges, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is likely to file a motion to prosecute the teen as an adult.
Charges could be escalated to the federal level as the investigation continues, Krasner said Monday. Usually, US attorney offices do not take up juvenile cases, even those related to terrorism.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire said the accused “appeared to be taking steps to travel overseas for the purpose of joining, or supporting, terrorist activity.”
“Most concerning, however, was the evidence that he had access to firearms and had purchased items and materials commonly used in the construction of improvised explosive devices,” McGuire said to New York Post.
The teen came under the radar after he was allegedly seen — during surveillance — purchasing tactical equipment and chemicals, used as remote detonators.