Gainesville teen charged over bedroom TATP jars and online ISIS chats

Alachua County deputies charged a 15-year-old Gainesville student with making or attempting to make a destructive device after they discovered jars of explosive chemicals in his bedroom. The investigation began when authorities identified online communications between the student and members of the Islamic State group.

The joint probe with the FBI started on Friday, October 23. Investigators learned the teen was discussing plans to build drones and explosives for an attack at an unknown location. Officers spoke with the boy's parents, who consented to a search of his phone. Reviewing the device, detectives found files with instructions for creating explosive devices and chemical compounds, alongside ISIS propaganda.

Based on the phone evidence, investigators returned to the home on Monday, October 26. With parental consent, they searched the residence and located two jars in the teen's bedroom. The student told investigators the jars contained triacetone triperoxide, known as TATP, a highly dangerous explosive. The Alachua County Bomb Squad unit responded to secure the materials. Detectives completed a full search of the home after the squad stabilized the site.

The teen attends Buchholz High School. Deputies filed the primary charge for making or attempting to make a destructive device. Officials stated that additional charges could be added as the investigation proceeds. Family members spoke off camera to reporters, noting they still had many questions about the case. They declined to provide further comments.