Man accused of trying to detonate bomb in Loop mentally unfit for trial: judge

By Patrick M. O'Connell
Chicago Tribune

AUGUST 25, 2016, 12:33 PM

A federal judge ruled Thursday that a man suspected of trying to detonate a bomb in the Loop is not mentally competent to stand trial at this time.

The suspect, Adel Daoud, will be sent to a mental treatment facility for three months, the judge said, and then re-evaluated to determine whether a trial can proceed.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman said that because Daoud believes he is a member of a secret society of the Illuminati and a reptile overlord, he has a delusional disorder and cannot rationally understand the proceedings or assist his lawyers.

Coleman said the case is "difficult and frustrating for all" but that prosecutors did not meet the burden of proof that Daoud could rationally understand the court proceedings or assist in his defense. The judge said Daoud's mental state has been deteriorating in jail, especially after a roommate committed suicide at the beginning of the year.

"It appears that his belief in the Illuminati, the Freemasons and lizard people is sincere and escalating," Coleman said during the brief court hearing.

[font size=1]-snip-[/font]