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Local Alabama law enforcement thwarts alleged terror plot

Peyton Pruitt, 18. (Image: St. Clair County Sheriff's Office)
Peyton Pruitt, 18. (Image: St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office)

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ala. – Threats of terrorism continue to resonate close to home as an 18-year-old Alabamian on Tuesday was charged in a terror plot thwarted by local law enforcement.

On November 17, Peyton Pruitt, 18, was arrested in St. Clair County for soliciting support for a terrorist act. While details about the alleged terror plot have not yet been made public, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office announced they are working on a joint investigation with the Birmingham FBI office in the case.

The Pruitt arrest comes only days after attacks in Paris left over 100 dead and hundreds more injured after a series of coordinated shootings and bombings were executed Friday night. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks, which they said represent the “first of the storm” and “a warning to those who wish to learn.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Friday that there was no specific or credible threat to the United States. However, they also added that DHS “will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people.” Alabama law enforcement officials echoed that sentiment.

The FBI and local authorities continue to pursue further details of the St. Clair County ongoing terror-related investigation. Pruitt is being held at $1 million bond at the St. Clair County Jail in Pell City. His court date is scheduled for Dec. 22, 2015.


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