Authorities arrested 24-year-old Saleh Edwards in Wilkes-Barre after a neighbor reported suspicious activity, prompting a joint FBI, county and city counterterrorism probe. Court-authorized search warrants were executed at Edwards’ home and related court documents have been filed under seal. Edwards was arraigned and denied bail by Magisterial District Judge Donald L. Whittaker; a preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 5.
Neighbor Tip Leads To Arrest: Wilkes-Barre Man Charged With Attempting To Make Weapons Of Mass Destruction
PA man charged with attempting to make weapons of mass destruction after neighbor tip
A coordinated counterterrorism investigation involving local, county and federal authorities resulted in the arrest of a Wilkes-Barre resident accused of attempting to possess or manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
Who was charged: Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce’s office says 24-year-old Saleh Edwards has been charged with criminal attempt to possess or manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
How the investigation began: The probe began after a neighbor on Saint Clair Street reported suspicious activity at Edwards’ residence. Wilkes-Barre city police, Luzerne County detectives and FBI special agents then opened a joint investigation.
Search and evidence: On Sunday, FBI agents together with county detectives and Wilkes-Barre police executed a court-authorized search of Edwards’s home. Authorities temporarily blocked off Saint Clair Street while the search warrant was carried out. Key court records related to the search have been filed under seal, limiting immediate public disclosure about items recovered or evidence collected.
Inside a courtroom with gavel in plain view.
Court proceedings: Edwards was arraigned Sunday evening before Magisterial District Judge Donald L. Whittaker. Bail was denied on the grounds that the defendant posed a danger to the public, and court records indicate Edwards remains held at the Luzerne County jail. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 5.
Sealing order: Records reviewed by media show the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office submitted at least one arrest warrant under seal, and Luzerne County President Judge Stefanie J. Salavantis approved a 60-day sealing order for related filings.
What officials have said: DA Sanguedolce told WNEP he would not discuss a possible motive or confirm whether investigators believe an explosive device had been manufactured or used. Fox News Digital has contacted the district attorney’s office for additional comment.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional details may be disclosed at upcoming proceedings as sealed records are unsealed or as allowed by court order.
