Teen Terrorist Tried to Bomb Philadelphia Pride Parade

Teen terrorist Muhyee Ud-Din Abdul-Rahman (17), radicalized by a well-known terrorist organization based in Syria, Katibat al-Tawhid wal-Jihad (KTJ), was planning to bomb one of three potential targets: the Philadelphia LGBTQ+ pride parade, a nuclear power plant, or the Army-Navy football game. 

KTJ is well known to have ties to the Islamist militant organization Al-Qaeda and claimed responsibility for the 2017 metro attack in St. Petersburg, Russia that killed 16 people and injured 64. They also claimed responsibility for the suicide car bombing at the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan that killed the terrorist and injured three civilians.

Investigations found that Abdul-Rahman used his phone to research potential targets for his terrorist attack and, allegedly, conducted obsessive and “intense” searches about the Philadelphia LGBTQ+ community. 

He also communicated with KTJ over WhatsApp messaging and planned to leave the U.S. to go to Syria to officially join them. His profile photo was a picture of the terrorist group’s banner, and he often shared propaganda with members of the group.

The FBI surveyed Abdul-Rahman as part of an anti-terror probe in March 2023 when they became aware of his digital footprint. According to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the teen terrorist was arrested last August after authorities found evidence of ingredients used to make explosives in his trash. Those ingredients included chemicals, tactical equipment, wiring, and devices that could be used as remote detonators. 

Abdul-Rahman’s bail was set at $5 million, and he is being tried as an adult. He was charged with possession of weapons of mass destruction, arson, causing or risking catastrophe, criminal conspiracy, attempt to commit criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person. He could face up to 48 years in prison if convicted.

He’s not the only anti-LGBTQ+ terrorist to be arrested this year. In the age of the internet, it’s a double-edged sword. Our community has been brought together and made stronger, but unfortunately, so have those who wish us harm.

Image from UnSplash