By james art PEORIA, Ariz. — A 17-year-old man has been arrested on terrorism charges for allegedly planning to attack the Phoenix Pride Festival last weekend.
The FBI, Buckeye and Glendale Police Departments arrested 17-year-old Marvin Jalo of Peoria following an investigation.
The Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office announced that on Oct. 16, just days before the festival, Gialo was indicted by a grand jury after authorities learned he had acquired materials to make an explosive device. He was detained and arrested on October 18.
During an investigation, detectives determined that between November 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024, Jalo communicated online about terrorist organizations and supplies needed to make an improvised explosive device, and those supplies were then sent to him.
He also spoke of his intention to make TATP (triacetone triperoxide), an unstable explosive that can shoot shrapnel and other dangerous objects outside, causing serious injury or death to people in the area, the MCAO said.
The grand jury indicted Giallo on two counts of aggravated felonies, including one count of terrorism and one count of conspiracy to commit terrorism. Authorities say he will be tried as an adult.
District Attorney Rachel Mitchell said: “It takes tremendous teamwork by law enforcement to open a lead, locate a suspect, disrupt an attack and make an arrest before tragedy strikes. I am deeply grateful and extremely proud of our MCAO investigators and our law enforcement partners for their full involvement in this case.”
Governor Hobbs also shared a statement with ABC15:
“I am shocked and appalled by the alleged plot to attack innocent Arizonans and members of the LGBTQ community who attended the Phoenix Pride Festival, and I am grateful for the swift action taken by law enforcement to prevent a potential tragedy.” Arizonans must come together to reject hate wherever we find it. I was proud to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Phoenix Parade this year and will continue to stand by the LGBT community in the face of bigotry and violent extremism.
Jalo is being held on $1 million cash-only bail.
Phoenix Pride officials held a press conference Wednesday following Jalo’s arrest, watch in the player below:
Phoenix Pride officials are speaking out after authorities arrested a Peoria teenager
