A 17-year-old faces adult terrorism charges after authorities stopped his alleged plan to detonate explosives at the Phoenix Pride Festival.

Teen’s Terror Plot Exposed! Arizona Boy Planned Bomb Attack at Phoenix Pride Festival

A 17-year-old faces adult terrorism charges after authorities stopped his alleged plan to detonate explosives at the Phoenix Pride Festival. 🌐 #News #MaricopaCountyAZ #Arizona #Crime

MARICOPA COUNTY, AZ – The vibrant sounds of music, the hum of celebration, and the joy of thousands at the Phoenix Pride Festival could have ended in horror if not for swift police action. Authorities say a 17-year-old plotted to unleash explosives during the event, intending to turn a weekend of unity and pride into a scene of devastation. Now, the teenager faces adult terrorism charges for the alleged attack that never came to pass.

Teen Charged as Adult in Terrorism Case

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that Marvin Jalo, 17, has been indicted by a grand jury. He faces one count of terrorism and one count of conspiracy to commit terrorism after being arrested over the weekend.

The charges follow a coordinated investigation between several agencies, including the Buckeye and Glendale Police Departments, the FBI Phoenix Field Office, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Investigations Unit.

Investigation Reveals Disturbing Online Discussions

Authorities allege that Jalo participated in online chat rooms from November 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024. During this period, investigators say he discussed the materials needed to construct an improvised explosive device (IED).

Prosecutors claim Jalo ordered these supplies and had them shipped to his home, detailing plans to manufacture TATP—triacetone triperoxide—an explosive known for its instability.

“An unstable explosive that can propel shrapnel and other dangerous items outward, causing serious injury or death to people in the area,” prosecutors said.

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Alleged Target: Phoenix Pride Festival

According to the investigation, Jalo intended to carry out the attack during the Phoenix Pride Festival, held the weekend of October 20. The festival is a major event celebrating the LGBTQ community, drawing large crowds annually.

Law Enforcement Praises Collaborative Effort

In a statement, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed gratitude for the teamwork that led to the suspect’s arrest.

“It takes a tremendous amount of cooperative work by law enforcement to develop a lead, locate a suspect, interrupt an attack, and make an arrest before a tragedy could happen,” Mitchell said.

“I am deeply grateful and immensely proud of our MCAO investigators and our law enforcement partners for their integral involvement in this case.”

Suspect Held on $1 Million Bond

Jalo is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond as he awaits further legal proceedings.

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