A teenage terror suspect already accused by the government of trying to bomb a Chicago bar was charged on Friday with trying to arrange the murder of an FBI agent, according to The Houston Chronicle.
Adel Daoud, 19, entered a Chicago court room calmly on Friday, greeting his lawyer with a fist bump and waving to his parents.
His attorney, Thomas Durkin, told reporters that his client's behavior may be indicative of his psychological state and isn't sure if Daoud fully understands the severity of his charges.
Daoud, of Hillside, Ill., pleaded not guilty in October to a terrorism charge. Court documents say an undercover agent, pretending to be a terrorist, supplied the teen with a fake bomb and witnessed him place it near a bar and press a trigger.
In late 2012, he allegedly tried to arrange the murder of an FBI agent involved in the sting operation that caught him trying to plant a bomb. In addition to his terrorism charge, which could place him behind bars for life, Daoud faces a solicitation of murder charge that carries a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Durkin said the murder charge is baseless and was filed after a tip came from a former gang leader-turned-snitch who used to share a cell with Daoud.
"It's an absurd plot on its face. It's laughable," Durkin said. "If my client's a terrorist, I'll eat my hat."
Kimberly Nerheim, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's ffice, refused to comment on Friday.
Daoud remains in federal custody. His case has garnered media attention over the past few months ever since his legal team asked the government to provide details on how expanded surveillance programs may have played a part in charging him.
On Wednesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman denied Daoud's request to provide any information related to surveillance programs.
