Teen Planned 'Act Of Terror' At Islamic Center: Prosecutors

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL — A Lombard teen who "planned to detonate an explosive device" at the Glendale Heights Islamic Center has been charged with attempted terrorism and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.

Police say the boy, 16, entered the Islamic Education Center at 1269 Goodrich Ave. on July 4 and recorded a religious ceremony "to assist in preparation for detonating an explosive device at that location." Per a petition, on July 12, the teen also "possessed a handgun which 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 in a statement.

He added, “The allegations against this juvenile are extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. I am extremely proud to be part of a team of federal and local officials whose shared dedication to public safety and ability to work together toward a common goal prevented what could have been a horrible tragedy."

"The FBI works tirelessly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, evaluating the threat landscape in order to detect and disrupt plans aimed at terrorizing our homeland,” Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI Douglas S. DePodesta shared in a statement.

DePosteda aded, “Thanks to local law enforcement and the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, we were able to successfully foil credible threats of a targeted attack in our community. The FBI is committed to utilizing every available tool in our arsenal against those who seek to harm the safety or security of anyone within our borders.”

The teen is set to appear in court Aug. 4.