FBI Chicago arrests Michael Stover, Downers Grove man accused of threatening ICE and 'well known political figures'
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suburban resident was taken into custody by federal agents on Friday morning, accused of issuing violent threats aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and “prominent political figures,” according to court documents examined by the ABC7 I-Team.

Michael Stover, aged 33, appeared in shackles at a U.S. District Court hearing this afternoon, facing charges of a felony count for issuing a genuine threat towards immigration and public officials.

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

Prosecutors detailed that it was just after 10 a.m. when a team of federal agents apprehended Stover in a Downers Grove apartment parking area. The FBI Chicago shared online photos showing agents from the Joint Terrorism Task Force involved in the arrest.

A criminal complaint, unveiled late Friday afternoon, accuses Stover of making numerous threatening posts on social media, including menaces directed at ICE agents earlier this year and threats targeting the U.S. President.

“The U.S. president just declared his intention to specifically build concentration camps for those opposing him,” Stover allegedly posted online in April. “The battle starts here and now against this aggressor, or we succumb to servitude. Trade in your posters and selfie sticks for weapons!”

Prosecutors also claim Stover shared an image in February showing “five bullets—each marked with the first names of five notable U.S. political figures, written with a marker on the bullets—set atop two hunting knives.”

Stover’s social media activity had been monitored by the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center for months, and the agency contacted the U.S. Secret Service to launch an investigation this past May.

On May 7, court records state Downers Grove police and the FBI “entered a Clear and Present Danger request for Stover with the Illinois State Police (ISP)” and the ISP revoked Stover’s Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card, a state card that allows a person to possess or acquire firearms.

The next day, federal prosecutors said Downers Grove police responded to a 911 domestic-disturbance call at Stover’s residence.

When they knocked on his door, investigators said Stover “opened the door for officers, immediately shut it, then opened the door again with his hands in the air and an empty holster, a pocketknife, and a full magazine on his hip.”

No charges were filed in relation to the domestic-disturbance call, but given Stover’s possession of multiple firearms and his FOID card revocation the day prior, he was placed under arrest.

According to prosecutors, Downers Grove police seized six handguns, five rifles, a shotgun, and ammunition, including the five rifle rounds with the first names of “well-known U.S. political figures.”

Stover was ultimately released after state prosecutors declined to charge him with unlawful firearm possession.

After he was released, Stover was interviewed by a Downers Grove Crisis Intervention Sergeant and the FBI, in which he “he expressed frustration about global affairs and the U.S. government.”

But prosecutors say the police encounter did not stop Stover from posting threats on social media.

He was active on his Blue Sky account, using exceedingly extreme language in his posts, court records show.

“ICE is a terrorist organization,” Stover allegedly wrote in a July 7 post cited in his criminal complaint. “Share this if you think we should shoot them down like dogs.”

At his first court appearance, Stover told the U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David Weisman that he was employed and worked in “air conditioning.”

Stover has not entered a plea to the federal charge he faces.

Given the violent and serious nature to the post, federal prosecutors asked that Stover remain in federal custody until a future detention hearing is held.

That detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead after IDF strike hits Tehran compound, Israeli source confirms

Breaking: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Reportedly Killed in IDF Strike on Tehran – Israeli Source

Iran’s formidable and steadfast supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who held sway…
Biden flies to South Carolina for rare campaign stop after cancer diagnosis -- tries to take 'awkward' selfie with supporter 

Biden’s South Carolina Campaign Visit: Post-Cancer Diagnosis, Selfie Mishap, and Political Resurgence

Former President Joe Biden faced travel hiccups on Friday but opted for…
US positions F-22 stealth fighters in Israel, puts 'almost any target in Iran at risk'

US Deploys F-22 Stealth Fighters to Israel, Heightening Tensions with Iran by Expanding Target Reach

In a move that underscores the growing tension with Iran, the Trump…
Fury as LA admits it takes 270 days to repair a streetlight

Outrage in Los Angeles: City Reveals Shocking 270-Day Wait for Streetlight Repairs

Frustration is escalating throughout Los Angeles as locals grapple with an astonishing…
Bullet in the cap, Fresno police share body cam of moment officer narrowly escapes a gunshot to the head

Heart-Stopping Moment: Fresno Officer Dodges Bullet to the Head – Body Cam Footage Revealed

Intense bodycam footage captures a harrowing moment in Fresno, where a police…
Iranians chant and dance in the streets after US, Israeli air strikes

Jubilant Iranian Protests Ignite: Streets Fill with Chants and Dance Post US-Israeli Air Strikes

In a wave of jubilation, Iranians took to the streets to celebrate…
US turns Iran's weapons playbook against Tehran with low-cost kamikaze drones in Operation Epic Fury

US Adopts Iran’s Own Tactics: Deploys Affordable Kamikaze Drones in Operation Epic Fury Against Tehran

In a strategic twist on Saturday, US forces employed drone tactics directly…
New Illinois legislation proposal aimed at reforming how medical examiners ID bodies, notify family, ease legal action option

Illinois Introduces Groundbreaking Bill to Revamp Medical Examiner Procedures and Streamline Family Notifications

A new legislative proposal is making waves across Illinois, following an investigative…
California's hardest working cities revealed in new ranking

Discover California’s Top Powerhouse Cities: The Ultimate 2023 Hardworking Rankings Unveiled

Residents of San Francisco have earned a reputation as some of the…
Anti-US protesters funded by pro-China tycoon mobilize as first bombs fall on Iran

Pro-China Financier Backs Anti-US Demonstrations Amid Escalating Tensions in Iran

In the stillness of night, just moments before President Donald Trump revealed…
School choice can’t be only for the rich

Equitable Access to School Choice: Bridging the Gap Beyond Wealth

New York City parents are feeling the pinch as they open their…
State Dept authorizes non-essential US Embassy personnel in Jerusalem to depart ahead of possible Iran strikes

State Department Approves Departure of Non-Essential U.S. Embassy Staff in Jerusalem Amid Potential Iran Strikes

Deadline looms for Iran-US nuclear deal As President Trump’s deadline looms, nuclear…