Philadelphia teen arrested for planning overseas bomb-making for terrorists

In August 2023, a Philadelphia teenager named Muhyyee-Ud-din Abdul-Rahman was arrested for allegedly planning to travel overseas to create bombs for terrorist organizations. At the time of his arrest, he was 17 years old, but he is now being tried as an adult due to the severity of the charges against him. His bail has been set at $5 million, and it remains unclear if he has legal representation. Abdul-Rahman’s father, a local criminal defense attorney, has not commented on the case. Authorities claim that Abdul-Rahman conducted multiple tests on homemade explosives near his home and was close to being able to detonate devices with a significant blast radius. His online activities suggested an interest in targeting events such as the Philadelphia Pride parade and critical infrastructure, including power plants and military bases. The investigation began after law enforcement intercepted communications between him and terrorist groups in Syria. Prosecutors identified the groups Abdul-Rahman was in contact with as Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad and Hay’at Tahrir al Sham, both of which are recognized as global terrorist organizations by the U.S. State Department. As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that he was purchasing military gear and materials for bomb-making. Facing serious charges, including possession of weapons of mass destruction and conspiracy, prosecutors argued that the juvenile system could not adequately address the gravity of his actions. This case highlights the growing concern over domestic terrorism and the potential for young individuals to become involved in extremist activities.