Chicago, IL – A 38-year-old Chicago man faces felony charges after allegedly brandishing a knife during a standoff inside the Dirksen Federal Building, disrupting courthouse operations for several hours earlier this week.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Mario Santoyo was charged Friday with possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility, with alleged intent to use it during the commission of a crime. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in federal prison. Authorities allege Santoyo entered the federal courthouse at 219 S. Dearborn St. on Tuesday morning and requested to speak with FBI agents about alleged threats to his safety. After learning the FBI had no office in the building, he allegedly pulled a knife, threatened self-harm, and refused repeated commands from law enforcement to drop the weapon.
Federal officials report that the standoff lasted for approximately one and a half hours, during which Santoyo allegedly remained in the lobby with the knife to his throat. The building was evacuated, halting criminal and civil proceedings for much of the day. Law enforcement officers eventually used non-lethal force to take Santoyo into custody just before 8 p.m. He was transported to a Chicago hospital for treatment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized a policy of zero tolerance for violence against federal officials and disruption of court proceedings. Law enforcement agencies involved in the response included the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service.
Santoyo made an initial court appearance Friday and will remain in federal custody until his detention hearing, which is scheduled for July 31.
Federal authorities remind the public that charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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