California Teen Speaks Out Over FBI Terror Probe on Chemistry Experiments

Amalvin Fritz says he was trying to find a cure for cancer, not create explosives

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 17-year-old California student whose home science experiments sparked a three-day FBI probe has insisted it was all a misunderstanding and that he was trying to find a cure for cancer. Amalvin Fritz, a University of California, Irvine biology student, said he was mixing common household chemicals in an attempt to create molecules that could help treat cancer, after losing his aunt to the disease in 2020. Fritz's landlord called the police after seeing the experiments, leading to a major law enforcement response, but Fritz's attorney says there is no evidence he posed any threat.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges and concerns around amateur chemistry experiments, especially those conducted at home rather than in a controlled laboratory setting. While Fritz claims his intentions were benign, the FBI felt the need to investigate thoroughly given the potential risks involved. It also raises questions about how to balance public safety with allowing curious students to pursue scientific exploration.

The details

According to Fritz, he was mixing water, rubbing alcohol, and chemicals found in Epsom salts and nail polish remover in an attempt to create a new molecular structure called Cubanes that he believed could help treat cancer. His landlord called the police after seeing the experiments and chemical formulas on a whiteboard. This led to a major response from the FBI, hazmat crews, and a specialized California National Guard unit investigating alleged weapons of mass destruction. Fritz's attorney has denied any wrongdoing and said there is no credible evidence Fritz posed a threat, though experts note experiments of this nature should only be performed in labs.

  • Last month, Fritz's landlord called the police after discovering his home experiments.
  • On Monday afternoon, FBI agents and hazmat crews rushed to Fritz's home in Irvine and remained there as of Tuesday evening.

The players

Amalvin Fritz

A 17-year-old University of California, Irvine biology student who was conducting chemistry experiments at his home in an attempt to find a cure for cancer.

Charles M. Ray

The attorney representing Amalvin Fritz, who has denied any wrongdoing and said there is no credible evidence Fritz posed a threat.

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What they’re saying

“What my interest truly was in is in creating these molecules called Cubanes, which have a three-dimensional structure, which can be manipulated in a way to allow these molecules to bind directly and in an efficient and better way than people have bound these compounds ever before.”

— Amalvin Fritz (NBC4)

“This has been a truly personal battle for me because I lost my aunt to cancer in 2020.”

— Amalvin Fritz (NBC4)

“We categorically deny the allegations that have been suggested and reject any implication that [Fritz] poses a threat in any way, shape, or form. There is no credible evidence to support the narrative that has begun to circulate, and we are confident that when the facts are reviewed objectively, that will become clear.”

— Charles M. Ray, Attorney (NBC4)

What’s next

The FBI is continuing to investigate the case, and no charges have been filed against Fritz so far.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance between allowing scientific curiosity and exploration, especially among young students, while also ensuring public safety. While Fritz claims his intentions were benign, the FBI felt compelled to investigate thoroughly given the potential risks of amateur chemistry experiments conducted at home rather than in a controlled lab setting.