Judge To Rule If Illinois Terrorism Suspect Is Mentally Fit
CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal judge will consider on Thursday whether a suburban Chicago terrorism suspect who says aliens and Freemasons are after him is mentally fit for trial.
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 placed what he believed to be a bomb outside a bar. He is also charged with attacking an inmate who allegedly taunted him with a Prophet Muhammad drawing.
Daoud spoke against lawyer Thomas Durkin's advice during competency hearings, giggling and doing impersonations. Durkin says it's impossible to defend someone who believes his attorneys are part of an Illuminati conspiracy.
Prosecutors say Daoud is sufficiently mentally fit.
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