A teenager in Las Vegas has been indicted on charges of plotting a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State, reports say. The individual, 17-year-old Joshua Robles, is facing eight terrorism-related counts including attempt to commit an act of terrorism and possession of components for an explosive or incendiary device, according to court documents cited by News3LV and FOX5 Vegas.
Robles allegedly had been to actively gather materials for building an improvised explosive device, or IED, between July 13, 2022, and November 29, 2023. The indictment detailed that Robles posted in an online chatroom his intention to "Peace by upon all brothers who see this. I am here to announce that I will be starting lone wolf operations in Las Vegas against the enemies of Allah," a statement obtained by FOX5 Vegas. He also had in possession a map of Chaparral High School and guidebooks pertaining to attacks and making IEDs, signaling a potential target for his planned acts.
Prosecutors believe Robles was operating alone in his attempt to supposedly advance the agenda of ISIS. A source confirmed his age and intent to support the Islamic State, attributing his radical actions to an allegiance he pledged in the digital space. This indictment was handed down on August 16, leading to an arrest warrant with a set bail of $1 million.
The arraignment hearing for Robles is slated for Wednesday, August 21. Amidst the allegations, Robles is to be accused of having collected various items to construct an IED. "I ask you to make Dua for victory. I am a supporter of the Islamic State, and I will make sure the zionists in this city know it," Robles purportedly declared in one of his online posts, according to a statement obtained by FOX5 Vegas. The seriousness of the situation is underscored by the specific references to Clark County targets in the indictment.
