Florida Teen Arrested in ISIS-Linked Explosives Case

A 15-year-old Buchholz High School student, Jude Sleeper, was arrested in Gainesville, Florida, and charged with making or attempting to make a destructive device after investigators examined alleged communications with Islamic State supporters. Authorities say he sought advice about building explosives and drones for an attack at an unidentified indoor location; they have not identified a target or confirmed an attack date. Investigators reportedly found Islamic State propaganda and explosive-making instructions on his phone, and two jars of chemicals in his bedroom that Sleeper allegedly said could be used to make TATP. The home was evacuated while bomb technicians assessed the materials, and the investigation is continuing, with additional charges possible. Sleeper is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.