Federal authorities have arrested Jordan Derrick, a 40-year-old man from Sweet Springs, Missouri, on charges of posting detailed online tutorials on how to manufacture explosives, detonators, and improvised explosive devices using volatile chemical compounds [1]. According to a newly unsealed criminal complaint, Derrick began uploading graphic, step-by-step demonstrations on multiple social media platforms as early as September 2023, effectively creating an online 'how-to' guide for homemade bombs [1].
Investigators allege that Derrick's videos included instructions for making explosive materials such as TNT, PETN, RDX, and other compounds commonly associated with military-grade explosives and terror attacks [1]. The complaint further details that Derrick demonstrated how to manufacture detonators and volatile compounds, including nickel aminoguanidine perchlorate, ethylene glycol dinitrate, HMTD, hexamine dinitrate, and ammonium nitrate mixtures capable of causing catastrophic damage [1].
Federal authorities state that these videos were accessed by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the ISIS-inspired terrorist responsible for the deadly Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans on January 1, 2025 [1]. Investigators report that Jabbar downloaded Derrick’s bomb-making videos and used them to construct improvised explosive devices consistent with the methods shown online [1]. During the attack, Jabbar killed 14 people and injured dozens more after driving a rented Ford F-150 through New Year’s crowds in the French Quarter before opening fire on police officers, who then shot and killed him at the scene [1]. Authorities later recovered improvised explosive devices near Bourbon Street that failed to detonate and were rendered safe by bomb squads [1].
The investigation is ongoing, and the case has drawn significant attention to the role of online platforms in the dissemination of dangerous materials and the potential for such content to be used in terrorist attacks [1].
CONCLUSION
The arrest of Jordan Derrick highlights the serious risks posed by online bomb-making tutorials and their potential to facilitate real-world terror attacks. The incident has prompted increased scrutiny of social media platforms and their role in preventing the spread of dangerous content. Ongoing investigations may lead to further actions against individuals or platforms involved.