A grand jury in Arizona indicted a teenager on terrorism charges, alleging he planned to attack participants at the Phoenix Pride Festival, authorities said Wednesday.
The 17-year-old was indicted by a Maricopa County grand jury on one count of terrorism and one count of conspiracy to commit terrorism, both felonies, according to a statement from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
The suspect, who will be tried as an adult, allegedly acquired materials to make an explosive device, prosecutors said.
Between Nov. 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, the teen discussed in online chat rooms the materials needed to make an improvised explosive device and had the supplies shipped to him, prosecutors said.
The teen, prosecutors said, discussed his intention to make an “unstable explosive that can propel shrapnel and other dangerous items outward, causing serious injury or death to people in the area.”
In addition to the suspect, the indictment references “Juvenile A” and other “unnamed co-conspirators.”