A 15-year-old Philadelphia-area boy has been arrested in connection to a plot to carry out an Islamic State-inspired attack against Pope Francis during his visit to the U.S. next week, federal authorities said.
In a joint intelligence bulletin distributed Aug. 14 by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, the teen was inspired by the extremist group and “sought to conduct a detailed homeland attack which included multiple attackers, firearms, and multiple explosives, targeting a foreign dignitary at a high-profile event.”
Sources revealed to ABC News the “foreign dignitary” mentioned in the bulletin is Pope Francis, who will finish his trip to the U.S. with two days of events in Philadelphia.
The arrest is likely what House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mike McCaul, Texas Republican, was referring to Sunday when he disclosed that U.S. authorities “have disrupted one particular case,” involving threats to attack the pope, ABC reported.
According to the intelligence bulletin, the teen obtained explosives instructions and distributed them across social media. He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and attempting to provide support to terrorist activity.
Sources familiar with the case told ABC that any threat from the boy was not imminent, saying his plans were “aspirational.” Sources also said questions have been raised about the teen’s mental health.
Law enforcement officials said Monday there is no credible threat to the pope during his visit.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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