ISIS Wannabe Wore Bulletproof Vest to Court: Cops

LAKE FOREST, IL - A Waukegan man arrested last month in Lake Forest told police he wanted to join ISIS then showed up for his court date wearing a bulletproof vest.

The alleged odd behavior of Hakeem K. Shaifer, 38 began on Nov. 28 when he was stopped near Route 41 and Route 60 in Lake Forest and found with brass knuckles, pistol ammunition and marijuana. Shaifer was charged with misdemeanors, but according to the Lake County News-Sun, told police he intended to join the Islamic State and made “some other bizarre statements.”

“It raised serious concerns if he’s talking about linking with terror organizations, wearing body armor in a courthouse and claiming to have weapons,” said Lake Forest Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Covelli.

Nearly one month later, on Dec. 21, Shaifer appeared at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan wearing a bulletproof vest, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. He was also overheard leaving court that day stating he owned weapons.

“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office takes it very seriously when someone in Lake County claims any affiliation with a terrorist organization,” said Sheriff Mark Curran in a statement. “We will continue to remain vigilant to suspicious activity in Lake County, especially in public venues.”

An arrest warrant was issued for Shaifer later in the day for a violation of a previously issued order from the Judge.

After his arrest, police found several pieces of body armor, pistol & rifle ammunition, cannabis and drug paraphernalia upon a search of his home and charged him with unlawful possession of ammunition/FOID violation (Class A Misdemeanor), unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia (Class A Misdemeanor) and unlawful possession of cannabis (Class B Misdemeanor).

Shaifer is being held in the Lake County Jail on $20,000 bond. He will appear in court on Jan. 7.