SerpApi.Org
An Illinois man has been arrested for posting threats of violence online against multisite Evangelical congregation Willow Creek Community Church and other entities.
The Vernon Hills Police Department announced the arrest of 26-year-old resident Ryan Kang on Tuesday, charging him with two counts of falsely making a terrorist threat.
Authorities say Kang posted threats of violence on social media against Willow Creek, Vernon Hills High School and various individuals who lived outside of Illinois.
The police investigation into Kang began when multiple parties, including members of his family, alerted authorities to concerning social media posts he made.
The threats in question “included references to school shootings, bombings, and acts of interpersonal violence,” according to Vernon Hills authorities. While investigators concluded that Kang did not have the means to actually carry out such violent acts, he admitted to posting the online threats.
Kang was arrested on Saturday, and the Lake County State Attorney’s Office filed a petition to keep him detained pending trial. If convicted, Kang could serve 15 years behind bars.
“Social media and internet threats have become far too common,” said Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick L. Kreis. “These criminal acts disrupt our daily lives and promote fear in our communities. They will not be tolerated.”
Willow Creek leadership told The Christian Post on Wednesday that South Barrington police informed the church of the threat on Saturday.
In a statement, the church said authorities noted 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,” stated Willow Creek leadership.
“We are fully committed to safety and security, with teams across all locations who are trained regularly by former FBI and law enforcement, and we maintain strong relationships with local police departments.”
Willow Creek leadership urges supporters to “continue to lift up not only Willow, but all houses of worship, and those fighting mental and psychological battles that lead to threats of violence.”
Willow Creek launched in 1975, when a group of young people began holding worship services at a movie theater in Palatine, Illinois, and grew to several campuses in the Chicago area.
The church was founded by Pastor Bill Hybels, who led the congregation until 2018, when he stepped down after an investigation found multiple credible accusations of sexual misconduct.
Hybels was replaced by Dave Dummitt, who served in the role as senior pastor until last year, when he resigned to pursue other efforts. South Barrington campus Pastor Shawn Williams succeeded him.
