MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

KS Bomb Plot Case Moves To Court

By Associated Press

10/22/2016

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The defense attorney for one of three men accused of plotting to attack Somali immigrants in western Kansas says his client was only preparing to defend himself against massive social upheaval.

The comments came during a court hearing Friday for 47-year-old Patrick Stein from Wright, Kansas, whom prosecutors say was the leader of a militia group called "The Crusaders."

U.S. Magistrate Judge Gwynne Birzer ruled that Stein would remain in jail while he awaits trial. Birzer said Stein poses a "grave danger."

Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen are accused of plotting to bomb an apartment complex in the western Kansas meatpacking town of Garden City.

Stein pleaded not guilty to conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction. His defense attorney Ed Robinson says his client was led by the government's paid informant and an FBI undercover agent.

Earlier in the day, Wright waived his detention hearing and pleaded not guilty in what prosecutors say was a conspiracy by the militia group to detonate truck bombs at the complex where 120 Somali immigrants live.

The decision means the 51-year-old from Liberal, Kansas, remains in federal custody pending trial.

Defense attorney Kari Schmidt told the court she and Wright have concerns about his safety if he's released. Wright has no criminal history.