Aurora man's plan to join ISIL fighters foiled at Midway Airport
AURORA - An Illinois National Guardsman was arrested Wednesday at Midway Airport by members of the Chicago FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force while attempting to fly to Cairo, Egypt, the U.S. Attorney’s office said Thursday.
The Guardsman's cousin, who was planning an attack on an Illinois military base, was also arrested in Aurora.
Army National Guard Specialist Hasan Edmonds, 22, planned to fight with ISIL in Syria or Iraq, while his cousin Jonas Edmonds, 29, “planned to carry out an act of terrorism in the United States after Hasan Edmonds departed."
“I am already in the american kafir army (back when I was still in this dunyah13 and not muslim) and now I wish only to serve in the army of Allah alongside my true brothers,” Hasan Edmonds wrote, according to a criminal complaint. “I joined the united states army national guard about 3 years ago. I still currently have 3 years left that I have no intention what so ever of fulfilling."
The feds say the younger Edmonds plotted for his older cousin to use Edmonds' National Guard uniform to stage an attack on an Illinois military base.
Jonas Edmonds “will put the fear of Allah in their hearts and minds right here in the homeland,” Hasan Edmonds allegedly wrote in another facebook message.
Governor Rauner released a statement about the apprehension Thursday afternoon.
“Yesterday, Adjunct General Daniel M. Krumrei and Illinois Public Safety Director Rodger Heaton briefed me regarding the ongoing investigation into an Illinois National Guard soldier, his potential involvement in terrorist activities and the soldier’s impending arrest," Rauner said.
“Last night, I was informed that the Illinois National Guard soldier was arrested for alleged terrorist activities including attempting to join and assist ISIS and conspiring to facilitate other terrorist actions.“
U.S. Senator Mark Kirk said, "“The arrests of Hasan Edmonds and Jonas Edmonds are a grave indication that the threat of ISIS and terrorism is alive and real on American soil, even here in Chicagoland. I applaud the FBI and Army National Guard for the vigilant efforts in counter-terrorism initiatives and ensuring the safety of Illinois citizens."
The complaint is HERE.
