An Illinois man has been arrested after allegedly posting online threats targeting Willow Creek Community Church, Vernon Hills High School and other individuals, according to reporting by The Christian Post.
The Vernon Hills Police Department announced the arrest of 26-year-old Ryan Kang, who has been charged with two counts of falsely making a terrorist threat.
Authorities said the investigation began after multiple people, including members of Kang’s own family, alerted police to concerning social media posts. According to police, the threats “included references to school shootings, bombings, and acts of interpersonal violence.”
Investigators determined Kang did not have the means to carry out the threats, but said he admitted to posting them online. He was arrested Saturday, and prosecutors are seeking to keep him detained pending trial. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
“Social media and internet threats have become far too common,” Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick L. Kreis said. “These criminal acts disrupt our daily lives and promote fear in our communities. They will not be tolerated.”
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Willow Creek leadership said South Barrington police notified the church of the threat on Saturday and informed leaders that the suspect did “not have the means or ability to carry out any attack” and that “there was no risk to Willow, our services on Sunday, or any other scheduled church events.”
“We are grateful that our congregation was not at risk for harm, and that law enforcement acted so quickly and took this threat seriously,” church leadership said in a statement to The Christian Post.
The church also reaffirmed its commitment to security, noting that teams at each campus receive regular training from former FBI agents and law enforcement personnel while maintaining strong relationships with local police departments.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
