Philadelphia teen who tried to join terrorist group as bomb maker will be tried as an adult: DA
PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man who was arrested as a teenager for allegedly trying to join an overseas terrorist organization as a bomb maker will be prosecuted as an adult.
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office on Wednesday said "overwhelming evidence" collected during their year-long investigation indicated that Muhyyee-Ud-Din Abdul-Rahman, then 17-years-old, "intended to cause a mass casualty event."
Rahman, who was arrested in August 2023, was charged with a number of crimes including attempt to commit weapons of mass destruction, criminal conspiracy, arson, and related charges.
Authorities first became aware of Rahman when prosecutors say they received electronic communication between him and two Syria-based terrorist organizations, Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ) and Hay'at Tahrir al Sham (HTS). KJT was designated by the United States as a terrorist organization with ties to Al-Qaeda.
It's alleged the teen sent and received terrorist propaganda and guidance on committing criminal acts, including how to construct a bomb. The teen was also allegedly planning to travel overseas.
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Philadelphia teen charged in terrorism probe after communicating with terror group: FBI
A 17-year-old from Philadelphia has been charged after allegedly communicating with a terrorist group and purchasing items and materials commonly used to make improvised explosive devices.
It's believed that Rahman was gathering materials commonly used to make explosive, including muriatic acid, potassium nitrate and fertilizer. He is also accused of purchasing tactical combat gear, including a chest rig that can hold multiple AK-47 magazines.
Investigators say Rahman constructed explosives at his parent's house and tested them at least a dozen times. He's accused of attempting to create Triacetone Triperoxide, also called "The Mother of Satan," which is considered an extremely potent and unstable explosive.
After being arrested, prosecutors say Rahman admitted his intent to assist terrorists overseas as a bomb maker.
During an analysis of two cell phones handed over by Rahman, investigators found internet search history that "indicated that Rahman was interested in the dates and time of local parades, including the Philadelphia Pride Parade.
"Investigators also discovered evidence of his hatred for the LGBTQ+ community," a press release from the District Attorney's Office read. "Evidence indicated his interest in potentially targeting critical infrastructure throughout the region, including power plants and domestic military bases."
District Attorney Larry Krasner denounced Rahman's "twisted ideology, which in no way represents the overwhelming majority of peaceful people of faith, including the Muslim community."