The FBI arrested an unnamed 17-year-old Philadelphia boy who had been in contact with Islamic jihadist extremist groups, assembling materials to make bombs as members of the groups instructed him, USA Today reports. The FBI announced they are still searching for two people connected with the teen.
Using WhatsApp and Instagram accounts, the boy allegedly communicated with Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad, an Islamic extremist group that conducted attacks in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2017 and at the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in 2016. In April and May 2023, the boy used the platforms to get instructions on how to build improvised explosive devices. On August 7th, he collected the chemicals and other materials needed to build it. The following day, he received 14 international shipments of military and tactical gear at his home.