Missouri Man Federally Indicted on Explosives Charges Following Online Instructional Video Investigation

A federal grand jury in the Western District of Missouri has indicted Jordan Derrick, 40, of Sweet Springs, Missouri, on multiple federal explosives-related charges tied to the alleged manufacturing of explosive materials, possession of destructive devices, and the online distribution of instructional content involving explosives.

Federal prosecutors announced that Derrick faces one count of engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, one count of unlawful possession of unregistered destructive devices, one count of unlawful possession of components readily convertible into destructive devices, and one count of distributing information relating to the manufacture of explosives in violation of federal law.

According to federal court filings and an affidavit supporting the original criminal complaint, investigators allege Derrick began using multiple social media platforms no later than September 18, 2023, to publicly distribute videos demonstrating the construction and manufacture of explosive materials and improvised explosive devices.

Federal investigators stated the videos allegedly included step-by-step demonstrations explaining how explosive mixtures, devices, and related components could be assembled using commercially available materials and improvised methods.

According to investigators, Derrick’s publicly accessible video content later became part of a broader federal investigation after authorities determined that materials from the online accounts had been downloaded and viewed by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the individual responsible for the January 1, 2025 terrorist attack in New Orleans.

Federal investigators stated Jabbar constructed improvised explosive devices consistent with methods and techniques allegedly demonstrated in Derrick’s instructional videos. Authorities stated the explosive devices planted during the New Orleans attack failed to detonate and were later rendered safe by law enforcement explosive ordnance personnel.

Federal authorities did not accuse Derrick of participating in the New Orleans attack itself, though investigators stated the case raised concerns regarding the online dissemination of instructional explosive content accessible to violent extremists and individuals seeking to construct improvised devices.

The investigation also expanded following a separate explosion on May 4, 2026, at a private residence in Odessa, Missouri. According to federal investigators, authorities searching the residence recovered components believed to be associated with improvised explosive devices.

Court filings state that the occupant of the Odessa residence informed investigators that explosive devices had been manufactured after viewing online tutorial videos associated with social media accounts allegedly connected to Derrick. Federal investigators stated the Odessa explosion investigation remains ongoing.

The indictment highlights continuing federal concern surrounding the spread of online explosive-making tutorials through publicly accessible digital platforms, social media channels, and video-sharing services. Federal investigators have increasingly warned that instructional materials involving improvised explosive devices, destructive devices, accelerants, and explosive compounds are being consumed by extremist actors, criminal offenders, and unstable individuals seeking operational guidance outside traditional extremist networks.

Investigators also continue monitoring how online instructional content can accelerate lone-actor radicalization pathways by allowing individuals to independently access technical guidance involving explosives, improvised weapons, and destructive device construction without direct in-person training.

If convicted of engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a federal license, Derrick faces up to ten years in federal prison. Federal prosecutors stated convictions involving unlawful possession of unregistered destructive devices or readily convertible destructive device components each carry potential penalties of up to ten years in federal prison.

The charge involving distribution of information related to the manufacture of explosives carries a potential maximum sentence of up to twenty years in federal prison.

Federal prosecutors noted that sentencing within the federal judicial system is determined by federal sentencing guidelines, statutory considerations, and judicial review, and that federal parole does not exist.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trey Alford, Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Chlarson, and Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the Department of Justice National Security Division.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Federal authorities emphasized that the indictment contains allegations and that Jordan Derrick remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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