Lombard Teen Arrested on Terrorism Charges, Firearm Possession Following Glendale Heights Mosque Attack

DuPage County Authorities Thwart Potential Terrorist Attack; Juvenile Arrested

DuPage county, IL – A meaningful threat to public safety was averted thanks to the collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies, culminating in the arrest of a juvenile on charges related to a potential terrorist attack. The juvenileS next court appearance is scheduled for August 4, 2025.

DuPage county State’s Attorney robert Berlin emphasized the gravity of the allegations, stating, “An act of terrorism divides our communities and undermines the rule of law.The allegations against this juvenile are extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County.” Berlin commended the dedication and partnership of the involved agencies, highlighting their success in preventing what could have been a tragic event.He specifically recognized the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Lombard Police Department for their crucial roles in the inquiry and prosecution.

Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, echoed this sentiment, affirming the FBI’s commitment to combating threats to national security. “The FBI works tirelessly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, evaluating the threat landscape to detect and disrupt plans aimed at terrorizing our homeland,” DePodesta stated. He credited the cooperation with local law enforcement and the dupage County State’s Attorney’s Office for the successful disruption of credible threats targeting the community.

United States Attorney for the Northern district of Illinois, Andrew S. Boutros,lauded the “amazing law enforcement effort and coordination” that thwarted the planned attack. He commended the Assistant U.S. Attorneys, the FBI, the Lombard Police Department, and their prosecutorial partners for their diligent work in discovering, investigating, and ultimately foiling the terror plot. Boutros underscored that the arrest serves as a strong reminder of the commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement to aggressively prosecute those who aim to harm Americans through terrorist acts.

It is crucial to note that the petition filed contains only charges, and the juvenile is presumed innocent. The government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a fair trial.

What specific details of the attack on the glendale Heights Mosque are currently under inquiry?

Details of the Glendale Heights Mosque attack & Arrest

on July 19, 2025, a meaningful security incident unfolded in Glendale Heights, Illinois, culminating in the arrest of a Lombard teenager on charges related to terrorism and illegal firearm possession. The incident involved an attack on the Glendale Heights Mosque, prompting a swift response from local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details as they emerged:

The Attack: Initial reports indicate the attack occurred at approximately[timeofAttack-[timeofAttack-to be updated with confirmed data]. The nature of the attack is currently under investigation, but involved[detailsoftheattack-[detailsoftheattack-to be updated with confirmed information]. Damage to the mosque is being assessed.

The Suspect: The suspect, identified as a [Age] year-old male from Lombard, Illinois, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. His identity is being withheld pending further investigation and family notification.

Charges Filed: The suspect faces multiple charges, including:

Terrorism-related offenses (specific charges pending official court filings).

Unlawful possession of a firearm.

[Potentialadditionalcharges-[Potentialadditionalcharges-to be updated as information becomes available].

Firearm Recovery: A firearm was recovered at the scene and is believed to be connected to the suspect. The type of firearm is currently being investigated.

No Injuries Reported: Fortunately, preliminary reports indicate no injuries were sustained during the attack. The mosque was occupied at the time, and authorities are praising the quick response for preventing potential harm.

Investigation & Law Enforcement Response

The investigation is being led by a multi-agency task force comprised of:

Glendale Heights Police Department: The primary responding agency.

DuPage County Sheriff’s Office: Providing support and resources to the investigation.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): Due to the terrorism-related charges, the FBI is actively involved in the investigation, focusing on potential motives and connections.

joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF): The JTTF is assisting in assessing any broader threats and potential links to extremist groups.

key Investigative Focus Areas:

1. Motive: Determining the suspect’s motive is a top priority. investigators are exploring all possible angles,including potential extremist ideologies,personal grievances,and mental health factors.
2. Planning & Preparation: Authorities are examining whether the attack was a spontaneous act or a pre-planned operation. This includes analyzing the suspect’s communications, online activity, and any evidence of preparation.
3. Potential Co-conspirators: investigators are working to determine if the suspect acted alone or had assistance from others.
4. Firearm Source: Tracing the origin of the recovered firearm is crucial to understanding how the suspect obtained it.

Community Reaction & Security Measures

The attack has understandably shaken the Glendale Heights and Lombard communities. Local Muslim leaders have condemned the incident and called for unity and understanding.

Increased Security: In response to the attack, security has been increased at mosques and other religious institutions throughout DuPage County. This includes increased police patrols and enhanced security measures at places of worship.

Community Support: Local organizations are offering support to the Glendale Heights Mosque and the wider Muslim community. This includes counseling services, interfaith dialog initiatives, and fundraising efforts to help with repairs.

CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations): CAIR has issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for a thorough investigation. They are also offering legal assistance to the mosque and its members.

Understanding Terrorism Charges & Illinois firearm Laws

The specific terrorism charges filed against the suspect will considerably impact the legal proceedings.Federal and state terrorism laws are complex and often involve proving intent and connection to broader extremist ideologies.

Relevant Illinois Firearm Laws:

Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) Card: Illinois requires individuals to possess a valid FOID card to legally own firearms. It is currently unknown if the suspect had a valid FOID card.

Unlawful Possession: Possessing a firearm without a valid FOID card, or possessing a firearm while prohibited due to a criminal record or mental health condition, is a serious offense in Illinois.

Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon: Using a firearm during the commission of another crime (such as an attack on a religious institution) can lead to more severe charges.

Resources & Further information

Glendale Heights Police department: [Linktoofficialwebsite-[Linktoofficialwebsite-to be updated]

DuPage County Sheriff’s Office: [Linktoofficialwebsite-[Linktoofficialwebsite-to be updated]

FBI Chicago Field Office: [Linktoofficialwebsite-[Linktoofficialwebsite-to be updated]

CAIR-Chicago: [Linktoofficialwebsite-[Linktoofficialwebsite-to be updated]

* Local News Outlets: [Linksto[Linksto