Arizona Teen Sentenced to 21 Months for Plotting Jihad-Inspired Attack at Phoenix Pride Parade

Marvin Jalo, Maricopa County Sheriffs Office | Jihad Watch

A teenager convicted of planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack targeting a pride parade in Arizona has been sentenced to nearly two years in prison. The case, which drew national attention due to the nature of the alleged plot and the target of the attack, stemmed from an arrest made during the 2024 Phoenix LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations.

Marvin Aneer Jalo, who was 17 years old at the time of his arrest in October 2024, was accused of preparing to carry out an explosive drone attack during the Phoenix Pride parade. Authorities said the attack was intended to take place just two days after he was taken into custody.

According to investigators, Jalo had engaged in online chat rooms with individuals he identified as extremists throughout 2023. Prosecutors stated that he posted alarming messages, including one suggesting they could “bomb 2024 Pride Parade and take over USA.” Officials also alleged that he attempted to obtain chemicals required to build an explosive device through Amazon.

Initially, Jalo faced adult charges including felony terrorism and conspiracy. However, on April 3, 2026, he pleaded guilty to two counts of terroristic threats as part of the legal proceedings.

On April 29, 2026, the court sentenced the now-18-year-old to 1.75 years in prison. The sentence included credit for the 599 days he had already spent in custody following his arrest.

The case has once again highlighted concerns surrounding online radicalization, extremist influence on youth, and threats targeting public gatherings and LGBTQ+ events in the United States.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)