Vernon Hills, IL – A 26-year-old Vernon Hills man has been charged after police say he allegedly made a series of threatening social media posts targeting a local high school, a church, and other institutions.
According to the Vernon Hills Police Department, Ryan Kang, 26, has been charged with two counts of falsely making a terrorist threat following an investigation that began after multiple people, including members of Kang’s family, reported concerning online posts.
Police said the posts allegedly referenced school shootings, bombings, and acts of interpersonal violence. According to investigators, the threats targeted Vernon Hills High School, Willow Creek Church, and multiple out-of-state residents.
Authorities said officers immediately evaluated the reported threats and worked with outside law enforcement agencies while interviewing family members and Kang. Investigators determined Kang did not have the means or ability to carry out an attack, according to the police department. However, police said Kang admitted to authoring the social media posts.
“Social media and internet threats have become far too common,” Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick L. Kreis said in a statement. “These criminal acts disrupt our daily lives and promote fear in our communities. They will not be tolerated.”
According to police, Kang was arrested on Friday, July 18, and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a petition to detain him pending trial.
If convicted, Kang could face up to 15 years in prison, according to the police department.
The allegations against Kang have been made by law enforcement, and the charges are not evidence of guilt. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
