Texas man charged with plotting terror schemes with Islamic State

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Texas man and charged him with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State terror group.

Officials said Kaan Sercan Damlarkaya had plans to travel overseas and fight for the terror network -- or, if he couldn't travel, carry out an attack inside the United States," the Department of Justice said in a statement.

Damlarkaya, of Houston, was also charged with charged with unlawfully distributing explosive-making information. He appeared in court Monday to hear the charges and will return before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo for a hearing Thursday.

Authorities said Damlarkaya began communicating with FBI agents in August and shared his plans to commit terrorist acts. During the discussions, officials say he asked if he could make a farewell video to post online after his death "in order to inspire others," according to the complaint.

Damlarkaya also gave undercover agents details about how to build an assault rifle from readily available parts, prosecutors said.

Other details he allegedly shared with FBI agents include how he slept with a machete under his pillow in case of a house raid, and that he always carried a knife in case he was ever stopped by police.

According to the court documents, Damlarkaya told undercover agents, "if I buy a gun or supplies for a bomb, they will heat up pressure just like a few months ago when I was trying an operation but they found out."

The complaint also said Damlarkaya unsuccessfully tried to travel to Syria twice. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.