Teen charged with bomb attempt

A 15-year-old Alachua County high school student faces charges for attempting to create a destructive device after investigators discovered explosive materials in his bedroom. The arrest follows a joint probe by local sheriff's deputies and the FBI into the teen's online communications with members of the Islamic State group.

Deputies learned of the case after the student engaged in online conversations with ISIS supporters. During these chats, he requested assistance in building drones and explosives to target an unspecified location. Investigators later found files on his phone containing instructions for making explosive devices, chemical compounds, and group propaganda.

The investigation began on Friday when authorities spoke with the student's parents at the Buchholz High School attendee's home. The parents consented to a phone search, which led to a full home search on Monday. In the student's bedroom, detectives found two jars that he identified as containing chemicals used to manufacture TATP, or triacetone triperoxide.

The Alachua County Bomb Squad responded to the residence to secure the materials before detectives completed their search. The student was subsequently charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may be filed as the case proceeds.

Family members spoke to reporters off camera, stating they had many questions about the investigation. They declined to comment further on the situation. The teen remains in the custody of Alachua County authorities pending review of the evidence collected from his home and digital devices.