Lombard teen boy accused of plotting explosion, act of terror at Glendale Heights Islamic Education Center on Goodrich Avenue: FBI
Share this @internewscast.com

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — A 16-year-old boy from Lombard has been accused of planning a terror attack at a suburban Islamic center, authorities announced Friday.

The teenager appeared in DuPage County court Friday morning, facing charges of unlawful firearm possession and attempted terrorism, as stated by the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, alongside the FBI and the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Authorities reported that on July 4, the teenager visited the Islamic Education Center in the 1200-block of Goodrich Avenue in Glendale Heights, where he recorded video footage of religious services to “aid in preparing for detonating an explosive device at that location.”

Prosecutors also allege that on July 12, the boy had a gun that “was of a size that could be concealed upon his person.”

“An attempted act of terrorism, as alleged in this case, achieves the same goals of spreading fear, dividing our communities and undermining the rule of law, as does an act of terrorism,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said.

Many people gathered for a prayer service at the center Friday night after learning of the arrest.

“People come here to just get really peaceful, and I really seriously think that this is not fair,” said Arshad Javid, Islamic Education Center attendee.

It was the same service that prosecutors say the teenager recorded as part of his now-failed terror plot.

Worshippers prayed in the wake of fear and frustration.

“This is really shocking news,” Javid said. “I can’t believe that this could’ve happened to us. This shouldn’t have happened to no one.”

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the teen’s alleged actions while speaking out against what the executive director says is a concerning rise in Islamophobia.

“That is the danger of having this hate rhetoric, this anti-Muslim rhetoric, be so accepted out there, is that it only takes one person,” said Ahmed Rehab, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director.

The 16-year-old suspect is now facing charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Attempt Terrorism.

A judge ordered the teen to be held in custody until his next court appearance August 4.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
What happens now that a government shutdown is underway

Implications of the Current Government Shutdown

Washington is gearing up for what might be an extended federal shutdown…
Court disqualifies Trump-appointed US attorney in Nevada from overseeing multiple criminal cases

Nevada Court Removes Trump-Appointed US Attorney from Handling Several Criminal Cases

In Las Vegas, a judge has disqualified the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in…
Strong earthquake kills 31 people in a central Philippine region hit by deadly storm just days ago

Powerful earthquake claims 31 lives in central Philippine region recently ravaged by a deadly storm

MANILA, Philippines — A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck offshore in the central…
Iowa school superintendent resigns after ICE arrest rocks Des Moines district

Iowa School Chief Steps Down Following Immigration Arrest Impacting Des Moines District

The Iowa school superintendent, recently detained by federal immigration officials, has decided…
Travel warning: Delta Air Lines credit card policy nearly strands couple in London, England | What to know

Travel Alert: Delta Air Lines Credit Card Policy Almost Leaves Couple Stuck in London, England | Essential Information

PHILADELPHIA — There is an important alert for airline travelers. In addition…
Southport shooting: Woman identified by family as 1 victim of mass shooting at waterfront bar American Fish Company

Southport Incident: Family Identifies Woman Among Victims in Waterfront Bar Shooting at American Fish Company

SOUTHPORT, N.C. — A Southport, North Carolina, family confirmed the identity of…
Woman charged with attempted murder in shooting at University of Alabama Arboretum

Woman Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Shooting at University of Alabama Arboretum

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — A woman was charged with attempted murder following…
18-year-old charged with murder in Jacksonville shooting

Jacksonville Shooting: 18-Year-Old Faces Murder Charges

JSO charges 18-year-old Andre Thomas with murder for the shooting death of…
FBI takes 4 illegal immigrants in Portland into custody after lasers aimed at CBP aircraft

FBI Detains 4 Undocumented Migrants in Portland Following Laser Incident with CBP Aircraft

An FBI raid on a property tied to a suspect accused of…
Bomb squad detonates ‘suspicious device’ at Utah State University prior to TPUSA event

Bomb Squad Neutralizes “Suspicious Device” at Utah State University Before TPUSA Event

LOGAN, Utah — A “suspicious device” was detonated by law enforcement at…
Florida teen accused of faking abduction, shooting himself and sparking Amber Alert

Florida Teen Allegedly Fabricates Abduction, Self-Inflicts Gunshot, and Triggers Amber Alert

A teenager in Florida faces accusations for allegedly making false claims about…
Blue city felon with violent history arrested in deadly train platform stabbing after parole release: report

Violent Ex-Felon Recently Released on Parole Arrested for Fatal Stabbing at Train Platform, Report Says

Police and a local news report indicate that a paroled felon with…