Arizona Teen Terror Suspect Faces Adult Trial

Marvin Aneer Jalo, a 17-year-old from Buckeye, will be tried as an adult following a ruling by Judge Joseph Kiefer regarding his alleged involvement in a planned terrorist attack against the 2024 Phoenix Pride Parade. On Friday, Judge Kiefer dismissed the defense’s attempt to transfer the case to juvenile court, emphasizing the severity of the charges.

Jalo faces charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism. Authorities allege that he conspired through messaging platforms like Discord and Telegram to target the event with a bomb drone, armed with TATP (Triacetone Triperoxide) and C4 explosives.

In his decision, Judge Kiefer referred to the “very concerning level of participation and planning” displayed by Jalo, indicating that public safety would not be adequately served if the case moved to juvenile court. According to AZ Family, the judge highlighted the gravity of the offenses in his ruling.

A Grand Jury indictment, reported by Fox News, states Jalo allegedly aided and supported acts of terrorism aimed at advancing the objectives of ISIS. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office revealed that online discussions involved creating improvised explosive devices, with Jalo even obtaining materials to do so. He reportedly made videos of himself producing TATP, a volatile explosive.

Jalo was taken into custody at his home, where his mother informed authorities about concerns stemming from his interactions in online chat rooms with individuals she identified as terrorists. Court documents indicate that after an argument with his mother, he confirmed to police that he was communicating with extremists who were attempting to recruit him, expressing a desire to gain more knowledge before participating in a terrorist act.

Judge Kiefer noted that Jalo’s conversations with his co-conspirators were not hypothetical discussions about terrorism but detailed plans for preparing and executing attacks. Though he mentioned the possibility of Jalo “posturing,” the judge concluded that his involvement in these chats was significant.

Jalo’s next court hearing is set for February. He was initially held on a $1 million cash-only bond as of October, but it remains unclear whether he is still in custody or has been released.