Federal Bureau of Investigation

South Jersey Teen Arrested in ISIS-Inspired Threat Against Pope Francis

A South Jersey teen was arrested in an alleged plot to carry out an attack during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States, which begins Sept. 22, NBC News confirmed.

The suspect is a 15-year-old. A source familiar with the case told NBC New York that the teen possibly suffers from mental-health issues and had been living in a tent in the backyard of his family's Camden County home.

The source said law-enforcement officials initially debated whether to charge the teen given his age and mental-health status, but decided to move forward with criminal charges because the threats involved the pope and the teen made online contact with people overseas. The teen had also been reviewing ISIS material online, the source said.

A confidential informant had been helping authorities to keep track on the teen, the source told NBC New York.

NBC News confirmed that an alert went out to law enforcement back in August about the potential threat. The alert indicated that the teen was planning a detailed attack that involved multiple attackers, firearms and explosives against a visiting dignitary.

The alert says the teen obtained detailed explosives instructions and disseminated them online through social media. A source, however, told NBC New York the teen had no access to money, resources or materials and authorities do not believe he was capable of becoming operational.

ABC News first reported the threat, citing an intelligence bulletin by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security that said "the minor was inspired by [ISIS]."

The FBI declined to comment on any specific investigation, providing a statement that read in part, "The FBI is working closely with the United States Secret Service and our federal, state and local partners in advance of the Papal visit to ensure the safety and security of all."

Officials at the Vatican were asked about any threats to the Pope during a security-related news conference Tuesday.

“We are not aware of any specific threat to the Pope. The Pope will travel on an open-roof Popemobile to be in touch with the people, as he always does,” a Vatican spokesperson said.

The FBI told NBC10 they are working with federal, state and local partners to ensure a safe environment during the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia on Sept. 26 and 27. Prior to visiting Philadelphia, Pope Francis will make stops in New York City and Washington, DC.

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