Overview
- John Michael Garza Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
- Prosecutors say Garza met an undercover agent on Dec. 22, handed over explosive components, described how to mix them, offered an instructional video, and was arrested shortly after leaving the meeting.
- A search of Garza’s home recovered an item he had described as a detonator, according to the Justice Department.
- Investigators say an NYPD undercover first engaged Garza online in October after spotting a pro‑ISIS account, and he later shared ISIS propaganda and stated he ascribed to the group’s ideology.
- Court documents allege Garza sent about $40 in Bitcoin in November and December believing it supported ISIS causes, and he is in federal custody with a probable cause and detention hearing set for Dec. 30.