I am from America

I go off to a Christmas concert and come back to this:

Derrick Shareef, 22, targeted the Cherry Vale shopping mall, which has about 130 retail stores. But in recorded conversations he said the mall was “just one potential place,” and that he hoped to one day “smoke a judge,” according to the federal charges.

Should he die before the attack, Shareef made a videotape statement to explain his actions.

“I am from America, and this tape is to let you guys know, who disbelieve in Allah, to let the enemies of Islam know, and to let the Muslims alike know that the time for jihad is now...be strong, oh Mujahideen...May Allah protect me on this mission we conduct...so do not cry, do not mourn for me,” he said, according to the FBI affidavit.

Not in Chicago but Rockford, a sizable city, though not a major one. During the Cold War you could take comfort if you didn't live in a big city or near a missile base. No more.

UPDATE: An acquaintance turned him in:

Authorities said Shareef had been under investigation since September, when he told an acquaintance that "he wanted to commit acts of violent jihad against targets in the United States as well as commit other crimes."

The acquaintance immediately informed the FBI, officials said.

And also this:

A spiritual leader of Rockford-area Muslims commended authorities for intercepting the alleged plot and reiterated "the Muslim community's condemnation of terrorism in the name of Islam," said Shpendim Nadzaku, imam of the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford.Asked if he had ever met Shareef, Nadzaku said: "No one in the community has any clue as to who this person is - he's completely anonymous."