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Tucson Terrorism Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

(Photo courtesy of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office)
Mahin Khan

A Tucson man who planned a terrorist attack against a Motor Vehicle Division office in Maricopa County pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday and will remain in jail.

Mahin Khan, 18, didn’t speak much during his time in court. He is being held on several terrorism-related charges involving his alleged plan to build a pipe bomb and blow up a Motor Vehicle Division office. Authorities said Khan emailed a suspected member of the Taliban looking for weapons and instructions for building explosive devices. In emails he said he backed the Islamic State terrorist group.

The FBI began investigating Khan after someone reported him for suspicious activity. Khan will have a bond hearing on July 19.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The previous headline incorrectly stated the suspect had pled guilty. Mahin Khan pleaded not guilty.

Al Macias, former KJZZ news director, retired as KJZZ's news director in 2022. He rejoined the station as a features reporter in 2023 and also as a part-time editor in 2024.