MIDLOTHIAN, Texas (KETK) — A Texas man has been charged with an international terrorism offense after authorities say he attempted to help ISIS build a bomb, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs said.
21-year-old John Michael Garza Jr. was arrested on Dec. 22 after he allegedly brought bomb-making materials to a meeting with someone he believed was an ISIS supporter. That individual was later identified as an undercover law enforcement agent.
Federal officials say Garza, who is described as an ISIS sympathizer, explained how to mix the explosive components during the meeting and offered to send an instructional video demonstrating how to build the bomb. He was arrested shortly after the encounter.
Authorities first became aware of Garza in October, when a member of the New York City Police Department discovered his social media account. According to the DOJ, Garza followed multiple pro-ISIS accounts and commented on extremist content.
An NYPD undercover officer then began communicating with Garza online. During those conversations, Garza allegedly identified himself as a Mexican American living in Texas and sent small amounts of cryptocurrency to the undercover officer, believing the funds would support ISIS-related activities, including the purchase of firearms and materials.
While communicating with the undercover officer, the DOJ said Garza shared a video depicting a suicide-vehicle bombing. He also provided officials with a video on how to make a bomb and ISIS media releases.
The DOJ says Garza later disclosed plans to acquire supplies to manufacture explosives and agreed to meet with an individual he believed supported ISIS, a meeting that ultimately led to his arrest.
A probable cause and detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. If convicted, Garza faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office and the NYPD, with assistance from the FBI’s New York Field Office, the Dallas Police Department, the Midlothian Police Department and the Euless Police Department.
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