17-year-old accused of plotting terror attack in Las Vegas to support Islamic State

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A 17-year-old is accused of planning a terror attack in Las Vegas in support of the Islamic State, according to a grand jury indictment.

Joshua Robles is charged with eight counts, including attempt to commit or cause an act of terrorism, per Clark County District Court records.

A grand jury returned an indictment on Aug. 16 alleging Robles intended to provide material support to the Islamic State, also referred to as ISIS.

Robles allegedly collected materials last year to build an improvised explosive device, or IED, the indictment states.

He also posted to an online chatroom saying he would “be starting lone wolf operations in Las Vegas” and was “a supporter of the Islamic State, and I will make sure the zionists in this city know it,” the indictment alleges.

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On Nov. 29, 2023, police raided Robles’ home finding components they said could be used to make an explosive device. Specifically, police believe Robles was building explosive devices similar to the ones that killed three and injured hundreds in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Police suspect Robles may have been interested in carrying out an arson attack on Jan. 1, 2024, they said. Documents indicate Robles was searching for information and floorplans for Chaparral High School in the east valley.

Police also found a passage in a notebook about “The Islamic State-Las Vegas Province” and using improvised attacks, documents said.

Police also found self-portraits of the suspect wearing the material and surrounded by propaganda, self-produced terrorism propaganda and anti-Semitic threats, they said.