Multiple Philadelphia news outlets have reported that a 17-year-old male from West Philadelphia was arrested on Friday and charged by the state with weapons of mass destruction, criminal conspiracy, arson and related offenses.

He came to the FBI’s attention after purchasing materials online which are commonly used to make improvised explosive devices and subsequently researching targets. He also had access to firearms, according to Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire of the FBI’s Philadelphia office.

According to NBC10, the suspect had been communicating with Khatiba al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, or KTJ – a global terrorist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

According to 6ABC, the teen allegedly acquired chemicals and took steps to build a weapon of mass destruction.

According to CBS News, Customs and Border Protection records show 14 international shipments of military and tactical gear to the teen’s address. 

“The teen suspect was allegedly sending and receiving media containing terrorist propaganda and also took steps to go overseas for the purpose of joining or supporting the terrorist group,” 6ABC reported.

The investigation is ongoing and has included an FBI raid at a home along Woodbine Avenue in the city’s Wynnefield section on Friday.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner deemed the boy “an aspiring terrorist” who “presented a grave danger to everyone” during a press conference on Monday.

A law enforcement official told NBC10 that the boy was radicalized online and has family ties to terrorist activities.

For 6ABC’s video coverage, you can watch below:

To watch the full press conference, you can watch this Youtube video courtesy of 6ABC:

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Screengrab courtesy of 6ABC