At a Glance
- 21-year-old John Garza Jr. remains in federal custody after court finds probable cause.
- Prosecutors allege he sent $20 bitcoin payments and bomb-making materials to ISIS supporters.
- The case centers on a meeting with undercover FBI agents and a planned vehicle-explosion plot.
- Why it matters: The hearing underscores how quickly federal authorities can act on online extremist activity.
In a Tuesday hearing in Midlothian, Texas, U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian McKay ordered 21-year-old John Garza Jr. to stay in federal custody after prosecutors presented evidence of ISIS-linked activity.
Court Proceedings
Judge McKay heard testimony from an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force officer and reviewed documents showing Garza’s online exchanges. The judge ruled prosecutors met their burden for probable cause and ordered Garza to remain in custody.
- Two $20 bitcoin payments were sent to alleged ISIS fighters.
- Garza allegedly purchased a vehicle and planned to load it with explosives to kill police officers.
- He claimed to have built a detonator at home; investigators recovered one at his father’s house.
- He obtained sulfuric acid, acetone, and hydrogen peroxide and instructed an undercover agent on mixing them.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| ~2 months ago | FBI agent flagged Garza after he commented on ISIS Instagram video. |
| Pre-Christmas | Garza met undercover agent in a local park and handed bomb-making materials. |
| Current | Court hearing determined probable cause; Garza remains in custody. |
Family and Community Reaction
Garza’s mother was admonished by a bailiff to watch her words in court, and the family initially agreed to speak publicly but later declined. A longtime neighbor, Carol Rogers, spoke to News Of Fort Worth about the allegations.
Carol Rogers (speaking to News Of Fort Worth) said:
> “I believe this young man has just messing around on the internet and just I believe that he is just doing things out of curiosity and his character does not match what they’re calling him in this courtroom,”
The neighbor maintains the accusations are unfounded.
Legal Implications
Garza’s attorney plans to request a mental evaluation. The judge cited Garza’s potential danger to the community, noting bomb materials were readily accessible at home or work.
Key Takeaways
- Garza remains in federal custody after probable cause was found.
- Evidence includes two $20 bitcoin payments and bomb-making materials.
- Family and neighbors question the severity of the accusations.
The case highlights the swift response of federal authorities to suspected extremist activity.
