US: Lombard teen accused of plotting act of terror at Glendale Heights Islamic center

US: Lombard teen accused of plotting act of terror at Glendale Heights Islamic center
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A 16-year-old from Lombard, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago, has been charged with planning to detonate an explosive device at an Islamic center in Glendale Heights, NBC Chicago reported. The teen, who remains unnamed due to his age, appeared in court Friday facing charges of attempted terrorism (Class 1 felony) and unlawful possession of a firearm (Class 4 felony). He has been ordered to remain in jail until his next hearing on August 4.

According to court documents, the teenager allegedly recorded videos inside the targeted Islamic Education Center earlier this month to aid his attack planning and acquired a concealable handgun.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) expressed concern over the incident, with operations coordinator William Asfour stating it would “spread fear within the community.” Both Asfour and U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros commended law enforcement for preventing the alleged attack. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the actions as “extremely serious,” emphasizing that such attempts aim to “spread fear, divide communities, and undermine the rule of law.” The motive for the alleged plot remains unclear.