Chicago Man Arrested for Alleged Bomb Threat on Alderman’s Facebook Post
A Chicago man, Kenneth D. Weddington, 28, is facing charges after allegedly making a bomb threat on a Facebook post by Alderman Jason Ervin (28th), as per a detention proffer filed by prosecutors.
Ervin reported the comment, which stated, “Bomb planted at your office for supporting this bullshit and being a follower,” out of concern for public safety. He noted that his ward office also serves as a church on Sundays and was expecting a large number of congregants the next day.
Authorities identified Weddington as the user behind the threatening comment through an emergency disclosure request to Facebook. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force also located Weddington at a Hyde Park restaurant shortly after the post was made on July 4.
After being detained, Weddington was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital for a mental health evaluation and later transferred to Montrose Behavioral Hospital, where he remained until July 11.
Following a search of Weddington’s phone, authorities found evidence linking him to the original threat and a Gmail account. Additionally, investigators discovered a Facebook Messenger conversation where Weddington claimed involvement in a Discord group planning a terrorist attack on the North Side neighborhood.
Weddington reportedly made “admissions” after being informed of his rights. Judge Shauna Boliker ordered his detention during a court hearing on Monday.
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