A TEXAS TEENAGER accused of planning a mass shooting at a shopping centre inspired by the Islamic State terror group has been charged with terrorism.

The Collin County district attorney’s office said 17-year-old Matin Azizi-Yarand of Plano, Texas had planned to release a “Message to America” explaining the attack.

Authorities say he spent more than $1,400 (€1,170) buying weapons and tactical gear and had been trying to recruit others to help him in the shooting planned for this month.

Authorities learned of the plan when Azizi-Yarand began corresponding with an FBI informant.

Azizi-Yarand is charged with criminal solicitation of capital murder and making a terroristic threat.

He’s being held at the Collin County jail on a $3 million (€2.5 million) bond. Online jail records don’t indicate that he has an attorney.

Comments are closed as legal proceedings are ongoing.