Phoenix Pride Festival: Teen Arrested on Terrorism Charges for Alleged Plot
A 17-year-old named Marvin Aneer Jalo has been arrested on charges of terrorism and will be charged as an adult.
An Arizona grand jury has charged a teenager with planning a terror attack at the Phoenix Pride parade that occurred this month.
An adult charge of terrorism has been filed against 17-year-old Marvin Aneer Jalo, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
The indictment claims that Jalo intentionally or knowingly provided support to ISIL's terrorist activities, with the goal of furthering their objectives.
The defendant is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond, according to a statement from the attorney's office.
Officials report that Jalo intended to execute a strike at the Phoenix Pride Festival.
Between November 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, Marvin Jalo engaged in online chat rooms discussing the components required to create an improvised explosive device and subsequently had those components delivered to him. He disclosed his intention to manufacture TATP (triacetone triperoxide), a highly unstable explosive capable of launching shrapnel and other hazardous materials, resulting in severe harm or death to individuals in the vicinity, according to the MCAO's statement.
Jalo received the ingredients for explosives in late November 2023 and subsequently posted videos of himself making TATP, while also expressing a desire to use the explosives.
Jalo had conversations on Telegram about constructing an RC-controlled bomb and targeting various locations, including New York City.
Jalo was arrested at his Buckeye home for an unrelated incident involving criminal damage and disorderly conduct, which included domestic violence, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.
Jalo's mother informed police that she believed her son was collaborating with terrorists in chat rooms, using his cell phone to communicate with them, and planning a possible attack.
Jalo spoke with police and admitted to having contact with extremists who were actively recruiting him. According to documents, Jalo stated that he needed to acquire more information and improve his preparation before participating in a terrorist act.
Jalo planned to use a "drone bomb" to transport his explosives, according to prosecutors.
The Phoenix Pride Festival is an annual celebration and educational event that honors the "Stonewall Riots," which marked the start of the modern gay rights movement.
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