Authorities in Philadelphia have arrested a 17-year-old resident on state charges in connection with an ongoing federal terrorism investigation. The arrest was made on Friday by the FBI, who have not identified the suspect. The teen has been charged with weapons of mass destruction, criminal conspiracy, arson, causing/risking catastrophe, attempt to commit criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Larry Krasner stated that he intends to try the 17-year-old as an adult, and the US Attorney is reviewing the case for potential federal charges.

FBI Special Agent Jacqueline Maguire revealed that the suspect had been in contact with Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ), a designated global terrorism group affiliated with Al Qaeda. The 17-year-old was sending and receiving media containing terrorism propaganda and guidance on committing criminal acts, including bomb-making instructions. Customs and Border Protection records show that 14 international shipments of military and tactical gear were delivered to the suspect's address. The suspect also had access to a significant number of firearms and had acquired materials such as wiring, chemicals, and devices that could be used as remote detonators. Some of these purchases were made within the past few weeks.

According to Maguire, the suspect had conducted general research on potential targets, although no specific locations were mentioned. The FBI took the suspect into custody with the assistance of SWAT officers at his residence in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. Krasner stressed that the suspect posed a grave danger to everyone in his vicinity and potentially people across the country and overseas. The FBI deemed the situation to be a risk to public safety, prompting the swift action.

Maguire assured the public that there is currently no threat, and working in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office, the FBI secured arrest and search warrants. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, and the suspect may face additional charges from the federal government. Given the severity of the charges, the District Attorney's office is seeking to have the suspect tried as an adult.