A 15-year-old Mesa teen is under arrest after allegedly planning a racially motivated attack on a school and a mosque, according to the Mesa Police Department.
On February 18, the FBI told Mesa police that the adolescent was making racially motivated internet threats to “potentially carry out a mass casualty incident,” officials said. According to officials, the FBI’s Domestic Terrorism Unit has been investigating the teen since January.
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Mesa police described the teen as a Dobson High School student who reportedly posted photos online of tactical gear and weaponry. The boy also allegedly posted comments in online chat groups stating his desire to carry out a shooting at a mosque and his school, primarily targeting Hispanic children, according to police.
According to authorities, the teen was apprehended on February 19 at school. According to authorities, detectives discovered gear matching with the items featured in the online images when searching his residence. Officers discovered extremist-related materials, airsoft rifles, and a “realistic handgun replica,” according to police.
The teen was booked in the Maricopa County Durango Juvenile Detention Center on charges of terrorism and making a terrorist threat, according to authorities.
“At this time, there is no threat to Dobson High School or the surrounding community,” Mesa police said.
