A West Philly teen was convicted of attempting to build bombs in support of Syrian extremist groups

First Assistant District Attorney, Robert Listenbee Jr. takes questions from the media after announcing developments in the case against a West Philadelphia teen who investigators say purchased materials including chemicals, wiring, and tactical equipment associated with improvised explosive devices and conducted “generalized research” on potential targets. The press conferance took place on Wednesday, Sept. 18 2024, at the District Attorney's Office in Philadelphia, Pa. Read more Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

by Chris Palmer and Brett Sholtis Published Sept. 17, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET

A West Philadelphia teenager was convicted Wednesday of seeking to build bombs in support of extremist groups he was communicating with online, capping a unique case in which authorities