Man who plowed SUV through Chicagoland mall charged with terrorism

The driver of an SUV that plowed through a Chicagoland mall has been charged with terrorism — thanks to the destruction he wrought, authorities announced Sunday.

Javier Garcia, 22, was behind the wheel of a black Chevrolet Trailblazer that was filmed rumbling through the mall after ramming through a Sears storefront on Sept. 20, according to Schaumburg Police Department.

The video, now viewed more than 10 million times, shows shoppers screaming and racing for cover as the SUV crashes into kiosks.

Garcia was initially taken for a mental-health evaluation before being transferred into police custody on Friday.

“A motive has not been determined,” police said, insisting that he appeared to be “acting alone.”

Despite a lack of motive, Garcia was hit with a state terrorism charge, as well as felony charges for damaging property in excess of $100,000 at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.

Under Illinois law, the “Class X” felony terrorism charge can be brought if the suspect is believed to have caused more than $100,000 in damage to any building containing five or more businesses, police explained.

Garcia, of the neighboring suburb Palatine, was scheduled to appear in bond court Sunday, officials said.

“A motive has not been determined,” police said, insisting that he appeared to be “acting alone.”

“Police have no reason to believe Garcia was targeting any specific person and/or store,” police added.