17-year-old indicted for allegedly plotting terrorist attack via Facebook Messenger

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 17-year-old is the first in Harris County to be indicted for terrorism under a new state law, according to county officials.

Friday afternoon, Laith Adil Shehzad made his initial appearance in court. Clad in an orange jumpsuit, the teenager didn't look nervous at all. At one point, he turned away from the judge and cracked at smile at the television cameras.

But the charges he's facing are very serious.

According to prosecutors in court, the FBI was alerted by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, of disturbing communications between the defendant and a supposed ISIS militant jailed in the Philipines in August of 2024.

They allege that Shehzad transmitted multiple photos of himself holding a Glock and extended magazines via Facebook Messenger on the evening of August 17, 2024. Prosecutors say following day, as FBI agents showed up at his house to ask his parents about his whereabouts, Shehzad allegedly dumped the gun and bullets in a detention pond before speaking to investigators.

Prosecutors also said in court that Shehzad asked the militant for guidance on dying as a martyr. In addition, Shehzad was already under juvenile supervision for having homemade explosive devices. Court documents also show that a journal was found containing extremist propaganda.

Investigators believe Shehzad's beliefs went as far back as 2021, when he admitted to be self-radicalized and subscribing to ideology of ISIS. He was just 13 at the time.

"Kids do stupid stuff all the time, I don't know enough of the facts to know if their beliefs are justified or not," said John Stevenson, Shehzad's newly appointed attorney.

Stephenson says he only met briefly with his new client, and described him as young and scared. He also points out that it's not uncommon to see teenagers post with guns and other questionable behavior on social media.

"This is Texas. Lots of people have guns," said Stephenson. "Obviously this is a case involving a lot of words where no one really got hurt, so it's just something we've got to dig into and learn all the facts about."

Prosecutors also said in court Friday that Shehzad could not carry out his attack because on the day he planned to do it because his Uber account was suspended. He's currently in jail without bond.

If ultimately convicted, Shehzad could face up to 15 years behind bars.

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