Gainesville teen charged with making explosive device after joint FBI and sheriff search
Alachua County authorities say the 15-year-old student asked ISIS contacts online for help building drones and explosives.
By Matthew Brooks ·
A 15-year-old Buchholz High School student in Gainesville faces criminal charges for attempting to create a destructive device. Alachua County sheriff’s deputies and the FBI launched a joint investigation after the teen was found communicating online with members and supporters of the Islamic State group.
Investigators determined the student sought assistance from these contacts to build drones and explosives for an attack at an unspecified location. The probe began with a conversation with the teen’s parents on Friday, who granted permission for officials to examine the student’s phone. Digital records showed files with instructions for manufacturing explosive devices and chemical compounds, alongside propaganda materials.
Following the phone review, authorities searched the residence on Monday with parental consent. In the student’s bedroom, detectives located two jars. The teen told investigators the containers held chemicals for triacetone triperoxide, known as TATP. The Alachua County Bomb Squad responded to the home to secure the materials before detectives completed their search.
The student was formally charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may be added as the inquiry proceeds. Family members spoke to reporters off camera, noting they still had many questions about the case and declined further comment.
