Teen charged with bomb attempt

Alachua County sheriff’s deputies charged a 15-year-old Buchholz High School student with making or attempting to make a destructive device following a joint investigation with the FBI.

The inquiry began on Friday, October 23, when investigators determined the student had been engaging in online conversations with members and supporters of the Islamic State group. During that initial visit, authorities spoke with the teen’s parents, who permitted a search of his cell phone. The device contained files with instructions for creating explosive devices and chemical compounds, alongside propaganda material from the organization.

Based on the digital evidence, investigators returned to the residence on Monday, October 25. With the parents’ consent, they searched the home and discovered two jars in the student’s bedroom. The teen told detectives that the jars held chemicals used to manufacture triacetone triperoxide, a highly sensitive explosive known as TATP.

The Alachua County Bomb Squad unit secured the materials at the scene before detectives completed their sweep of the property. Investigators stated the student had requested assistance from online contacts to build drones and explosives for an attack at an unspecified location.

The student is currently charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation proceeds. Family members spoke off camera about the situation, stating they had remaining questions about the case but declined to provide further details.