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Dad: "no way" son could have planned Capitol attack

Ann Thompson
/
WVXU
(center) John Cornell, father of Chris, says his son was dragged into this and "no way could have come up with this on his own."

Chris Cornell, a Green Township terrorist suspect, will continue to be held without bail in the Butler County Jail. Friday Magistrate Stephanie Bowman agreed with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Mangan that he is a threat to the public and a flight risk.

Before the hearing, the suspect's father, John Cornell, told reporters there was "no way" his son could have come up with such a plan on his own.

The 20-year old was arrested Wednesday after buying two semi-automatic weapons and 600 rounds of ammunition. In a criminal complaint, the FBI said Cornell told an informant that “we should just wage jihad under our own orders and plan attacks and everything.”

The Justice Department says it has evidence Cornell was going to travel to Washington,D.C., conduct reconnaissance, and then execute a plan of attack on the U.S. Capitol.

As Cornell walked into the courtroom his dad almost got thrown out after repeatedly yelling things to his son. John Cornell said, “Don’t trust anyone.” And “We love you Chris.”

Before the hearing, the father said "I love my son and I've got his back 100 percent."

John Cornell said his son was coerced into this; and that he is being portrayed as "one of them,'' referring to terrorists.

In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mangan said Cornell, also known as Raheel Mahrus Ubaydah, poses a threat to commit a terroristic plot and it was repeatedly and emphatically set forth in Cornell's plan.

While recognizing the seriousness of the charges, Assistant Federal Public Defender Karen Savir pointed out to the judge that Cornell is only 20 years old, never has been in serious trouble, doesn’t drink or use drugs and lives with his parents. She asked for her client to be released to his parents while under electronic supervision.The judge didn’t agree.

But Magistrate Bowman did say she would consider Savir's other requests including providing Cornell with a clock so he can observe the times he is supposed to pray and getting him out of suicide watch.

Ann Thompson has decades of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting.