Local law enforcement and the FBI have disrupted a terror plot targeting the Phoenix Pride Festival. A 17-year-old suspect, Marvin Jalo, has been arrested on terrorism charges following a Grand Jury indictment. According to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, the coordinated efforts were critical in preventing a potential tragedy.
Marvin Jalo, a minor from Maricopa County, will be tried as an adult and faces a Class Two Dangerous felony charge. County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that the indictment shows Jalo had materials to create an explosive and had planned to target festival-goers over the October 20 weekend. In her statement, obtained by the official county website, Mitchell expressed her gratitude and pride towards the law enforcement involved, "It takes a tremendous amount of cooperative work by law enforcement to develop a lead, locate a suspect, interrupt an attack, and make an arrest before a tragedy could happen."
Investigations into Jalo began after he was active in online chatrooms discussing how to make an improvised explosive device. Authorities tracked the shipment of supplies needed for TATP, a highly unstable explosive. Jalo is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond, and his intended device could produce deadly shrapnel if detonated.
While no tragedy occurred due to the agencies' vigilance, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office emphasizes the importance of proactive measures. Between November 1, 2023, and May 31, Jalo's communications about plans to cause destruction were evident, as he provided information to others on producing TATP. Despite the serious allegations, Jalo is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
