Mahin Khan, 18, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced on Friday to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to terrorism, conspiracy to commit terrorism, and conspiracy to commit misconduct involving weapons.
The prosecution said Khan had “expressed a desire” to attack a Jewish community center in Tucson. Police found a document in his home with plans to attack a military recruiting center and a fitness center. He also plotted to attack the Phoenix DMV, and instructed an undercover FBI agent on making homemade grenades.
Khan apparently received his inspiration from last year’s ISIS attacks in Paris and Brussels, and communicated online with a a member of the Islamic State.
The prosecutor said Khan was not being accused of just words but also of teaching bomb-making to the undercover FBI agent. “There has to be a consequence, a price to be paid,” she said.
Khan’s attorney told the court his client is struggling with mental health issues and poor impulse control. Khan accepted responsibility for his pots. Apparently, Khan has been known to the FBI since age 15. He also spent 45 days in a mental institution.