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Judge to rule if Illinois terrorism suspect’s mentally fit

Judge to rule if Illinois terrorism suspect's mentally fit | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Marshal's office shows Chicago terrorism suspect Adel Daoud. A federal judge has ruled the suburban Chicago terrorism suspect mentally unfit to stand trial on charges he placed what he believed to be a bomb outside a bar. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman said at a Thursday Aug. 25, 2016 hearing that she has concluded 22-year-old Adel Daoud is sincere in his belief that aliens, the Illuminati and Freemasons are conspiring against him. (U.S. Marshal's office via AP, File)

CHICAGO – A federal judge is scheduled to rule on whether a suburban Chicago man who’s said aliens and Freemasons are after him is mentally fit for trial on terrorism charges.

The question for Thursday’s Chicago hearing isn’t whether 22-year-old Adel Daoud has mental issues. It’s whether any are severe enough to prevent him from understanding and participating in trial proceedings.

Agents arrested Daoud in a 2012 sting after he allegedly placed a bomb outside a bar. Other charges he faces include attacking an inmate who allegedly taunted him with a Prophet Muhammad drawing.

Daoud spoke against defence lawyer Thomas Durkin’s advice during competency hearings, giggling and doing impersonations. Durkin says it’s impossible to defend someone who believes his own attorneys are in on Illuminati conspiracies.

Prosecutors say Daoud’s sufficiently mentally fit.

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