NYPD undercover officer befriends Texas man plotting ISIS attack on Instagram, resulting in his arrest by federal authorities.

An investigation by the New York Police Department (NYPD) has led to the arrest of a Texas man who is accused of attempting to support the Islamic State (ISIS) by providing materials for bomb-making. The suspect, 21-year-old John Michael Garza, was apprehended by federal authorities on December 22. He faces serious charges, including attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of 20 years if convicted.

Federal prosecutors disclosed that Garza was first discovered by an undercover NYPD officer in October after his Instagram account was found to follow accounts promoting ISIS and featured a comment endorsing the terrorist group. Subsequently, the undercover officer initiated communication with Garza via Instagram, engaging in discussions about jihad, support for ISIS, and even Garza’s aspiration to become a suicide bomber.

Throughout their interactions, Garza allegedly sent small amounts of money to the undercover officer, whom he believed to be an ISIS member stationed in Iraq. By December, the undercover officer proposed a plan for Garza to assist another person in the U.S. with bomb-making, to which Garza consented. This led to his eventual arrest.

Investigators noted that the conversation between Garza and the undercover officer escalated, as Garza expressed enthusiasm for jihadist activities and even shared an ISIS propaganda video with the officer. He reportedly sent messages that expressed his desire for martyrdom in what he called “a quick death,” viewing such actions as a path to paradise.

On several occasions, discussions shifted to the practicalities of acquiring explosives, with Garza allegedly offering to provide components for a bomb. He confirmed plans to meet with an undercover agent near a Dallas Walmart, where he attempted to exchange materials—namely acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and sulfuric acid—believed to be intended for bomb-making.

Following this meeting, Garza was arrested at his residence, where authorities discovered a detonator and other materials. During questioning, Garza claimed he had purchased the chemicals for non-terroristic purposes, such as treating injuries and plumbing maintenance, and sought legal representation when further inquiries were made.

The NYPD has emphasized its commitment to identifying and disrupting potential terrorist networks before they can execute harmful plans. As authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Garza’s actions and connections, the case underscores the ongoing challenges in combating domestic terrorism and the importance of vigilance in monitoring radicalization on social media platforms.

Garza, a U.S. citizen of Mexican-American descent, resides in Midlothian, Texas, approximately 25 miles southwest of Dallas. His initial hearing is set to take place in the Northern District of Texas Federal Court soon.