Three Illinois Men Charged In The Bombing Of Bloomington, Minnesota Islamic Center

United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced a federal criminal complaint charging MICHAEL MCWHORTER, 29, JOE MORRIS, 22, and MICHAEL B. HARI, 47, for using an explosive device to maliciously destroy and damage the Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center (“DAF”) in Bloomington, Minnesota. MCWHORTER, MORRIS, and HARI are currently in custody in Urbana, Illinois. MORRIS and HARI made their initial appearance on federal charges related to an attempted bombing in Champaign, Illinois, today at 3:00 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long in U.S. District Court in Urbana, Illinois. MCWHORTER will make his initial appearance in connection with the attempted Illinois bombing at a later date.

The affidavit filed in support of the District of Minnesota criminal complaint alleges that on August 5, 2017, a pipe bomb was thrown through a window of the Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center (“DAF”), located in Bloomington, Minnesota. The pipe bomb, constructed of polyvinyl chloride, known as “PVC,” exploded, causing extensive damage. On January 27, 2018, law enforcement received information from a confidential source indicating that MCWHORTER, MORRIS, and HARI were responsible for the bombing carried out at DAF.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie E. Allyn and John F. Docherty.

Defendant Information:

MICHAEL B. HARI, 47

Clarence, Ill.

Charges:

    Arson, 1 count

JOE MORRIS, 22

Clarence, Ill.

Charges:

    Arson, 1 count

MICHAEL MCWHORTER, 29

Clarence, Ill.

Charges:

    Arson, 1 count