Houston Man Faces Terrorism Charge Under New Texas Law
Table of Contents
HOUSTON — April 30, 2025 — A Houston man, laith Adil Shehzad, faces a terrorism charge under Texas’ new law, a first for Harris county. The 18-year-old is accused of conspiring to commit murder with the intent to intimidate the public.
Authorities arrested Shehzad on August 18, 2024, with bond set at $10 million. The case centers around suspected plans and communications. For further information, consult the full court documents.
Houston Man Faces Terrorism Charge Under New Texas Law
A Houston man, Laith Adil Shehzad, 18, has been indicted under texas’ new terrorism law, marking the first case of its kind in Harris county [[3]].
Key Details
- Accusation: Conspiring to commit murder with the intent to intimidate or coerce the public [[3]].
- Bond: Set at $10 million on Tuesday [[3]].
- Arrest Date: Aug. 18, 2024. Shehzad was 17 years old at the time of his arrest [[3]].
- Legal Basis: Texas’ new terrorism law, enacted in 2023, which criminalizes conspiring to commit offenses with the intent to intimidate or coerce the public [[2]].
- First Case: This is the first time someone has been charged with terrorism under this statute in Harris County [[3]].
Background of the Case
according to court documents, Shehzad was in contact with an individual claiming to be a member of a confined extremist cell in the Philippines.
Shehzad was allegedly soliciting support from the individual. He was also seeking assurance that the gun—specifically a Glock with a standard magazine, an extended magazine, and a drum magazine he planned to use—was powerful enough to complete a mass casualty event.
Shehzad’s past also includes prior involvement with the Texas Department of Juvenile Justice.
The documents say Shehzad had been under the supervision of the Texas Department of Juvenile Justice after being found to have been engaged in delinquent conduct.
Court Documents
During those proceedings, he was found to be in possession of homemade explosives and a journal containing extremist propaganda and instructions on creating high explosives.
In 2021, Shehzad reportedly admitted to the FBI that he was self-radicalized and subscribed to ISIS ideology. He also claimed to be an explosives expert and sought roles in mass casualty events.
Prior to the indictment, the documents say in 2021, Shehzad admitted to members of the FBI that he was self-radicalized and subscribed to the ideology and goals of ISIS. He also allegedly admitted he was an expert with explosives and has attempted to solicit roles in multiple mass casualty events as an explosive’s expert.
Court Documents
Authorities also allege that Shehzad concealed a Glock and a cell phone with incriminating evidence when the FBI visited his home.
Further investigation revealed multiple Facebook accounts used to contact ISIS-affiliated accounts. At the time of his probation, Shehzad was prohibited from owning or using cell phones or computers.
Additionally, a review of Shehzad’s Facebook accounts indicated plans for an imminent mass casualty event, which was reportedly thwarted by a rideshare service.
Legal Implications
The new state law applies to individuals who commit or conspire to commit existing offenses with the intent to intimidate or coerce the public. The penalty for such offenses is one category higher than the most serious offense committed or conspired to be committed.
FAQ
- What is Shehzad accused of?
- Conspiring to commit murder with the intent to intimidate or coerce the public.
- What is his bond amount?
- $10 million.
- When was he arrested?
- Aug. 18, 2024.
- What law is he charged under?
- Texas’ new terrorism law.
- Is this the first case under this law in Harris County?
- Yes, it is the first case of its kind in Harris County.
