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FBI arrests suburban man for threatening feds
A suburban man is now in jail accused of plotting to kill federal law enforcement officers.
CHICAGO - A man was arrested Friday in suburban Chicago for allegedly making death threats against federal law enforcement officers and prominent political figures, according to a federal complaint unsealed by a judge.
What we know:
The complaint — which was unsealed by Judge M. David Weisman at the request of Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Peabody for the Northern District of Illinois — states the threats were directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and several high-profile political figures.
Michael Stover, 33, of Downers Grove, was identified as the subject in the complaint. He was arrested by FBI agents on Friday morning.
Between February and July, court documents state that Stover repeatedly made death threats on social media against federal law enforcement officers, including ICE agents.
In his BlueSky bio, Stover calls himself an "anarchist," "anti-fascist," and "expert shooter."
In May, the Downers Grove Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at his home after receiving a 911 call from his wife, who told police that Stover threatened to kill her.
There, they seized "five rifles, a shotgun, six handguns and ammunition" from Stover. Among the ammunition were "five rifle rounds with the first names of well-known political figures written in marker."
The names are not revealed in the complaint.
Since Stover's wife didn't pursue charges, Downers Grove police say he was released following the May disturbance. At the time, Stover told officials he suffers from PTSD and said he understood the threats had to stop.
However, according to court documents, the threats continued.
On July 7, Stover threatened to kill ICE agents "on sight," according to the complaint.
His posts on BlueSky have also included statements against the government in general, including both the president and the Democratic National Convention, court documents allege.
Less than 24 hours before his arrest, Stover posted: "Are you ready and willing to fight?! If yes, dm me... The enemy is here, the enemy is now."
Dig deeper:
The timing coincides with plans by the Trump administration to step up immigration enforcement operations in the Chicago area.
The administration has also said it intends to deploy the National Guard to assist with efforts to curb violence in the city.
What they're saying:
"The FBI has zero tolerance for anyone who makes the criminal decision to compromise the safety of those who serve and protect our communities," FBI Chicago said in a post on social media.
What's next:
Stover faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.
Stover is not being released ahead of his next court appearance, which is a detention hearing scheduled for 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10.
The Source: The information in this article was provided through a federal complaint and reporting by Fox 32's Kasey Chronis.