A Michigan man is facing serious terrorism charges in Illinois after allegedly making hoax bomb and active shooter threats to multiple businesses in East Alton.
Jarrett Maki was charged with multiple counts of making terrorist threats, according to reports from WILX-TV and The Telegraph. Court documents show he allegedly called several fast food restaurants and retail stores claiming bombs were planted or shooters were on their way.
The businesses targeted included Domino’s Pizza, Sonic, McDonald’s, Casey’s gas station, Taco Bell, and the Runway Lounge. Each hoax call triggered emergency responses from local police.
Making terrorist threats is a Class X felony in Illinois—one of the most serious criminal charges in the state. Class X felonies carry potential sentences of six–30 years in prison. Some sources indicate Maki faces up to 11 separate counts.
The charges came just days after Maki appeared briefly on Hasan Piker’s livestream. Screenshots and clips show the interaction happened during a recent public appearance. There’s no indication the stream appearance is connected to the alleged crimes.
Madison County authorities haven’t released details about what motivated the threats. The investigation involved East Alton police and other local departments.
Hoax threats like these drain emergency resources and cause real harm. Businesses have to evacuate. Customers panic. Police rush to respond to fake emergencies while real crimes might go unaddressed.
