A 16-year-old boy in Las Vegas was arrested on November 29, 2023, after allegedly posting online threats of carrying out a “lone wolf” terrorist attack in support of ISIS, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). The authorities said they found explosive materials, propaganda, and radicalization materials in his home during a search warrant.
The Online Threats and the Investigation
The Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center (SNCTC) and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) launched an investigation after becoming aware of a social media post involving “terroristic threats” on November 28, 2023. The post, which was projected at a news conference by Deputy Chief Dori Koren, who oversees LVMPD’s Homeland Security and Special Operations Division, read:
“Peace be upon all brothers who see this. I am here to announce that I will be starting lone-wolf operations in Las Vegas against the enemies of Allah. and I ask you to make Dua for victory. I am a supporter of the Islamic State, and I will make sure the Zionists in this city know it.”
Koren said that the investigators were able to locate and identify the suspect within hours of the post and that a tactical team took him into custody without incident on November 29, 20233. Koren said that the suspect is a recent convert to Islam and that he lives in Las Vegas with his mother, siblings, and possibly a stepfather.
The Evidence and the Charges
During the search warrant of the suspect’s home, the authorities said they found several items of evidence, including:
- A handmade ISIS flag, headband, and patches
- ISIS and Al-Qaeda propaganda, including videos, magazines, and posters.
- Self-produced propaganda, such as drawings and writings
- Self-portraits with propaganda items
- Radicalization materials and general guidance for conducting a terrorist attack.
- Components for building an improvised explosive device (IED), such as wires, batteries, and chemicals.
- Bomb-making recipes and instructions.
Koren said that the suspect was booked into the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center on multiple charges, including:
- Making terroristic threats
- Attempting to further an act of terrorism.
- Providing material support to a terrorist organization
- Five counts of possession of explosive components
Koren said that the investigation is ongoing and that more charges may be added as the evidence is analysed. He said that the suspect’s name and photo are not being released due to his age.
The Implications and the Response
The arrest of the suspect has raised concerns and questions about the threat of homegrown terrorism and radicalization in the US, especially among young and vulnerable individuals. Koren said that the case is an example of how online platforms can be used to spread extremist ideologies and recruit potential terrorists. He said that the authorities are working to prevent and combat such threats and that they need the cooperation and vigilance of the public.
Koren said that the arrest of the suspect was a success for the collaboration and coordination of the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and that they will continue to work together to protect the public and national security. He said that the case is still in its early stages and that more details will be released as they become available.
