A 31-year-old Jordanian national, identified as Hamed M. Alsaidi, was arrested in Mokena, Illinois, early Saturday morning after police allegedly discovered eight suspected Molotov cocktails in his backpack. Alsaidi, who prosecutors stated had previously been deemed inadmissible to the United States, is now facing felony and misdemeanor charges as federal agencies assist in the ongoing investigation.
According to the Mokena Police Department, officers first encountered Alsaidi at approximately 2:52 a.m. on Saturday near 191st Street and LaGrange Road. The incident began when officers observed Alsaidi at a Speedway gas station that was closed. Officers informed him he could not remain there and provided him with transportation to an open gas station. However, Alsaidi was later seen walking in traffic lanes, prompting officers to detain him. During this encounter, police said Alsaidi initially provided a false name before his true identity was ascertained.
When officers took Alsaidi into custody, he was carrying a backpack and a blue blanket. A subsequent search of the backpack led to the discovery of multiple bottles containing gasoline with rags inserted as wicks, consistent with the construction of Molotov cocktails. Prosecutors confirmed that the backpack contained eight suspected Molotov cocktails in total, comprising six 12-ounce bottles and two liter-sized bottles. This significant discovery immediately prompted the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were called to assist in the investigation. The Mokena Police Department confirmed that the ATF will continue to handle the federal aspects of the case.
Alsaidi has been charged with felony unlawful possession of a weapon for the alleged Molotov cocktails and misdemeanor obstructing identification for providing a false name to officers. The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office was consulted during the investigation, and Alsaidi was booked into the Will County Jail following his arrest.
During a court hearing held on Sunday, Will County Judge Theodore Jarz addressed Alsaidi’s detention. Judge Jarz granted Alsaidi pretrial release under the SAFE-T Act, determining that specific conditions could effectively mitigate potential risks. As part of these conditions, Alsaidi was ordered to remain confined to a residence in Oak Forest and is required to wear a GPS electronic monitoring device.
Prosecutors, however, had argued against pretrial release, citing Alsaidi's immigration history as a significant factor in their assessment of flight risk. A federal court filing obtained by Resist the Mainstream identified Alsaidi as a Jordanian national who entered the United States without inspection. He was reportedly apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents during the Biden administration. Prosecutors in the Mokena case further stated that Alsaidi had twice been determined to be an inadmissible alien, once in 2024 and again in 2025, and used these prior determinations to bolster their argument regarding the risk of flight.
Among Alsaidi's belongings, prosecutors also noted the presence of a written map of the area. This map reportedly included references to a Metra train station and the phrase “You see the mosque,” which prosecutors suggested appeared to refer to the Prayer Center of Orland Park. Additionally, authorities stated that Alsaidi had an active order of protection listing residents and addresses in Orland Park among his possessions.
Despite these details, authorities have not yet confirmed Alsaidi’s intended destination or his specific intent. The Mokena Police Department has not released additional information regarding a possible motive for possessing the incendiary devices or whether there is any continuing threat to the public. The department also emphasized that the allegations against Alsaidi are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The multi-agency investigation remains active and ongoing.
