By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Dallas — John Michael Garza Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, is charged with international terrorism after a sting in which he provided bomb-making materials to an undercover agent he believed was an ISIS member. Police1+1
- How it unfolded: After an NYPD undercover flagged a pro-ISIS social account in October, Garza allegedly sent cryptocurrency and shared explosive instructions; he was arrested Dec. 22 moments after handing over materials. Police1+1
- What’s next: Garza appeared Dec. 23 in U.S. District Court (N.D. Tex.); a probable cause/detention hearing is expected. The charge carries up to 20 years if convicted. Police1+1
DALLAS — Federal authorities say a 21-year-old North Texas man who believed he was aiding the Islamic State instead handed bomb-making materials and money to an undercover operation, leading to an international terrorism charge announced Monday. Police1
The suspect, John Michael Garza Jr. of Midlothian, came onto investigators’ radar in October when an NYPD undercover employee identified a social media account following ISIS-supporting pages, according to court filings and the Justice Department. Prosecutors say Garza messaged that he “ascribed to the ISIS ideology,” sent small amounts of cryptocurrency in November and December, and arranged a Dec. 22 meeting where he described how to mix explosives he had supplied and offered an instructional video. Agents arrested him shortly after he left the meeting. Police1+1
Garza made an initial appearance Dec. 23 in the Northern District of Texas; a probable cause and detention hearing is expected to follow. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Police1+1
Federal officials framed the case as part of continued efforts to disrupt domestic supporters of foreign terrorist organizations before a plot can materialize. Authorities did not identify any specific attack target in the complaint materials summarized publicly. AP News