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
Our Chicago: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Our Chicago: Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness in October

CHICAGO (WLS) — October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the…
Bad Bunny to headline Super Bowl 60 halftime show

Bad Bunny Set to Perform at Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Bad Bunny will take center stage as Super…
Russel M. Nelson, oldest president of the LDS Church, dies at age 101

Russell M. Nelson, Oldest President of the LDS Church, Passes Away at 101

Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of…
Suspect in NC restaurant shooting identified, charged with murder after 3 killed, at least 5 wounded

NC Restaurant Shooter Identified; Faces Murder Charges with 3 Dead, 5 Injured

A suspect was charged following a shooting by a gunman from a…
Russel M. Nelson, oldest president of the LDS Church, dies at age 101

LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson Passes Away at 101, Marking End of Historic Leadership

Russell M. Nelson, who was the president of The Church of Jesus…
DHS releases images of firearms taken from Chicago anti-ICE protesters

DHS Shares Photos of Weapons Confiscated from Chicago Anti-ICE Demonstrators

The Department of Homeland Security released images of firearms confiscated from anti-ICE…
New York City Mayor Eric Adams abandons his reelection campaign

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Withdraws from 2025 Reelection Bid

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that…
A list of notable shooting attacks on houses of worship in the US in the past 20 years

Significant Shooting Incidents at U.S. Places of Worship Over the Past 20 Years

A gunman opened fire inside a church in Michigan during Sunday services,…
Horror in N. Carolina: Multiple Casualties Reported As Killer on Boat Opens Fire on Dockside Restaurant

Tragedy Strikes North Carolina: Shooter on Boat Attacks Dockside Restaurant, Multiple Casualties

A tragic incident unfolded in the city of Southport, North Carolina, on…
Brandon Jones secures Xfinity Series Round of 8 spot at Kansas Speedway

Brandon Jones Clinches Spot in Xfinity Series Round of 8 at Kansas Speedway

(NEXSTAR) – Brandon Jones, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, showcased his incredible…
ICE in Chicago today: Federal immigration agents, Border Patrol boat seen in downtown Chicago | LIVE

Federal Immigration Agents and Border Patrol Boat Spotted in Downtown Chicago Today – Live Updates

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal immigration agents have been seen in downtown Chicago…
Bad Bunny announced as Super Bowl LX halftime performer

Bad Bunny Revealed as Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show Performer

LOS ANGELES — Bad Bunny, known for his Latin trap and reggaeton…