A man from Ohio who was charged over an alleged plot to attack the US Capitol ruled to be competent to stand in trial. A federal judge made a preliminary finding about the said ruling on Monday.
According to Reuters, U.S. District Court Judge Sandra Beckwith has finalized the ruling on Tuesday that Christopher Cornell, 22-years-old, is competent for a trial. In January last year, the Green Township, Ohio man was arrested for an alleged terror plot.
He faces serious charges of attempted murder of government officials, possession of a firearm to commit a crime and solicitation to commit a violent crime and trying to aid material support to the Islamic State militant group, on which Cornell pleaded not guilty.
Cornell was arrested at a west side gun shop called Point Blank after he purchased semiautomatic rifles and about 600 rounds of ammunition, WKYC.com reported. Last year, he told a local news reporter that he planned to shoot President Barrack Obama on the head.
According to court papers, psychiatric experts assured that he understands the legal proceedings against him and can assist in his own defense after his representing lawyers questioned his mental competence. Federal judge Beckwith ordered a re-evaluation of Cornell's mental condition.
On Monday, Dr. Scott Bresler, the second doctor who evaluated the defendant, confirmed Cornell is competent to stand in legal proceedings, Cincinnati WLWT5 reported. On Bresler's issued testimony and evidence, he said Cornell suffers an "adjustment disorder and "marked anxiety". He has also shown signs of being suicidal, adding he created an "identity" to make him someone who can make a difference.
Judge Beckwith says she is moving ahead with the trial proceedings after the testimony. The court trial for Cornell is scheduled on November 1. Cornell is being held without bond and faces up to life in prison if convicted.
