Family speaks out after FBI launched terror probe into 17-year-old’s home chemistry kit: ‘He was trying to cure cancer’
FBI hazmat teams were dispatched to a home in Orange County after reports of suspicious activity involving a 17-year-old, prompting his family to push back strongly against suggestions that he posed any danger.
Federal authorities responded to the residence in a guard-gated community in Irvine after a landlord reported noticing unusual items at the property on Monday, according to the Orange County Register.
“This is someone who is going to help cure cancer one day. He is not a terrorist,” the family’s attorney, Charles M. Ray, told the LA Daily News. “People are afraid of what they don’t understand,” he added.
Police said the situation began after “a juvenile at the residence mixed unknown chemicals.” Authorities later found chemical formulas written on a whiteboard inside the home, prompting the FBI to bring in specialists from Quantico, Virginia, the LA Daily News reported.
The teenager’s family maintains that he is not involved in any criminal or extremist activity. They said the items that raised concerns were standard chemistry tools, including Bunsen burners and typical school laboratory equipment.
“On behalf of the family and their 17-year-old son, we categorically deny the allegations that have been suggested and reject any implication that he poses a threat in any way, shape, or form,” the family said in a written statement released Friday evening. According to the statement, the teen—who studies at University of California, Irvine—is deeply committed to science, especially biology and chemistry. He also spends time studying and creating educational content for his YouTube channel.
As of Saturday afternoon, his channel featured three videos, the most recent posted three months earlier, showing chemistry demonstrations and tutorials.
“He has a future ahead of him. He wants to go to medical school,” Ray said. Authorities have released few additional details about what was found inside the home, located in the upscale Altair community, where average property prices exceed $5 million.
The family has been unable to return to the house since Monday. As of Sunday, no arrests had been announced and no charges had been filed. Officials have repeatedly stated there is no need for evacuations and no known threat to public safety.
An Irvine Police spokesperson said the investigation was expected to continue Sunday.
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