Parents of Bolingbrook terrorism suspect say their son was brainwashed by militants

WGN News, Illinois/January 13, 2015

By Rachael Purl and Julian Crews

Bolingbrook, Illinois -- Prosecutors say it’s a case of a radicalized teen from Bolingbrook, Ill., with concrete plans to flight alongside ISIS. But Mohammed Khan’s lawyers and his parents say the 19-year-old fell under the toxic sway of social media.

Khan’s mother read a statement, condemning recent violence and brutal attacks by ISIS and other terrorist groups.

Zarine Khan also condemned “the brainwashing and recruiting of children through the use of social media and the internet.”

Khan was arrested in October at O’Hare Airport, trying to board a flight to Turkey.

Prosecutors say he intended to join ISIS militants and also tried to recruit two of his siblings to go with him.

Khan appeared in federal court Tuesday, entering a ‘not guilty’ plea to charges of supporting terrorism.

His attorney, Thomas Dirken, says Khan was misguided but that does not constitute material support for terrorism.

If convicted, Khan could face up to 15 years in prison.

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