From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Chicago man admits to federal court closure incident, faces up to two years in prison
Chicago man admits to federal court closure incident, faces up to two years in prison.
In brief
Chicago man admits to federal court closure incident, faces up to two years in prison. Mario Santoyo, 40, admitted to possessing a dangerous weapon at Chicago federal court in July 2025 and faces up to two years in prison. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Chicago man admits to federal court closure incident
Mario Santoyo, 40, admitted to possessing a dangerous weapon at Chicago federal court in July 2025 and faces up to two years in prison.
Santoyo declares culpable for weapon possession
Santoyo admitted to federal judge Mary Rowland that he carried a knife over 2.5 inches long into the Dirksen federal building on July 22, 2025.
Santoyo claims gangsters were trying to kill him
Santoyo told security he was being targeted by gangsters or gangbangers who wanted to kill him, according to a criminal complaint.
Santoyo draws knife near his neck
Santoyo drew a knife near his neck and threatened to harm himself after security told him FBI offices were elsewhere.
Court closure event
The incident lasted about nine hours, paralyzed traffic on Dearborn Street, and forced evacuation of a 30-story building.
Santoyo arrested after nine hours
Santoyo was arrested by non-lethal force at 8 p.m. on July 22, 2025, after a nine-hour standoff.
Santoyo faces up to two years in prison
Santoyo admitted to possessing a dangerous weapon at Chicago federal court in July 2025 and faces up to two years in prison.
Santoyo had second knife hidden
Santoyo was found to have a second knife hidden in his backpack, according to federal records.
Santoyo's defense team
Santoyo's defense team admitted authorities had no idea what was inside his backpack.
Santoyo's sentence set for January 12
Federal judge Mary Rowland set Santoyo's sentencing date for January 12, 2027, after he admitted to weapon possession.
Santoyo's prison term
Santoyo faces up to two years in prison for weapon possession at a federal court building in Chicago.
The essence
Mario Santoyo, 40, admitted to possessing a dangerous weapon at Chicago federal court in July 2025 and faces up to two years in prison.
