PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 17-year-old from the Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia has been arrested and charged for his alleged involvement with a terrorist group.
Federal law enforcement officials in conjunction with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office declined to identify the teen because he is a juvenile. DA Larry Krasner said he intends to seek adult charges in the case.
The teen came to their attention because of his connection to individuals and groups affiliated with Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad, also known as KTJ.
The global terrorist group is affiliated with al-Qa’ida and is believed to be responsible for a deadly April 2017 metro attack in St. Petersburg, Russia, metro and the 2016 suicide car bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
“Protecting the United States from terrorist attacks is the FBI's number one priority,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire, “and I think it’s very fair to say that lives were saved because of this investigation.”
Investigators say the teen was in communication with an Instagram account affiliated with KTJ in March and April. A WhatsApp account, linked to his phone number, had a banner of Riyad-us-Saliheen Martyrs’ Brigade, a Chechnya-based terrorist group, as his profile photo. On Aug. 6, the profile photo was changed to the ISIS banner.
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The teen also allegedly received messages related to the construction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and purchased chemical cleaners used to construct the devices, as well as tactical gear.
A day later, on Aug. 7, special agents observed him purchasing some of those materials and recovered things like electric wiring from his household trash.
The DA’s office says the next day, Aug. 8, U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided records of 14 international shipments of military and tactical gear to the teen’s house.
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On Friday, Aug. 11, a warrant for his arrest was approved and executed.
The 17-year-old is being charged with weapons of mass destruction, criminal conspiracy, arson, causing or risking catastrophe, attempt to commit criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, and reckless endangerment of another person.
“The charges we have filed against this individual represent the most serious alleged terrorist activity prosecuted in Philadelphia County court in recent history,” said Krasner. “Self-radicalization by young people via the internet is a threat to all families. Parents: Keep an eye out for violent cults that would lure in your kids under the guise of politics or religion.”
The DA’s office says if the case is transferred by a judge to adult criminal court, more information will be available to the public.