TATP: Florida student arrested over homemade explosive jars

Two jars of suspected explosive chemicals were recovered from the bedroom of a 15-year-old student in Gainesville, Florida, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The teen, identified as a student at Buchholz High School, was arrested on suspicion of making a destructive device.

The investigation began on Friday when the sheriff’s office and the FBI initiated a joint probe after learning the student had been communicating online with members and supporters of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. Investigators stated that the teen requested assistance in constructing drones and explosives to target individuals at an unspecified location.

Following a conversation with the student’s parents, authorities obtained consent to search his personal phone. They recovered files detailing instructions for creating explosive devices and chemical compounds, alongside ISIS propaganda. On Monday, detectives returned to the home with parental permission to conduct a full physical search.

Inside the bedroom, officers discovered the two jars. The student told investigators the containers held ingredients for triacetone triperoxide, commonly known as TATP, a highly sensitive explosive. The Alachua County Bomb Squad secured the materials before detectives completed their search of the residence.

The 15-year-old was formally charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges may be filed as the inquiry proceeds. Family members, who declined on-camera interviews, stated that they still had many questions regarding the scope of the investigation.