An Arizona teenager has been indicted on terrorism charges after allegedly planning to launch deadly explosives at the Phoenix Pride Festival last weekend. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has charged the 17-year-old with one count of terrorism and one count of conspiracy to commit terrorism, both of which are felonies.
According to prosecutors, the teenager intended to cause “serious injury or death” to participants at the festival. An investigation revealed that the teen had joined online chat rooms where he discussed the need for supplies to create an improvised explosive device.
Prosecutors believe the teenager was motivated by the Islamic State (ISIS) and was operating with at least two other co-conspirators, one of whom is unnamed and another referred to as “Juvenile A.”
The defendant will be tried as an adult and is currently being held in jail on a $1 million cash-only bond. The suspect’s legal representation is yet to be determined, and inquiries have been made to the county public defender’s office for further information.
