Man accused of terror plot pleads not guilty

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The man accused of plotting to attack a Milwaukee Masonic temple in the name of Islam has pleaded not guilty to federal gun charges in the case.

 

Samy Mohamed Hamzeh made the plea in court Tuesday.

 

Hamzeh's attorney declined to talk about whether his client should be released on bail, saying more time was necessary to review evidence against Hamzeh.

 

Prosecutors say Hamzeh told FBI informants that he wanted to kill at least 30 people to spark more mass shootings in the U.S.

 

Asked wheher he understands the charges against him. Samy Hamzeh said," Yes, sir."  He then entered a plea of not guilty.  

Prosecutor Paul Kanter claims to have hundreds of DVD's, with several hundred hours of recordings detailing how Hamzeh planned to pull off his attack at the temple.  In the plot, Kanter said at last month's hearing, that Hamzeh allegedly wanted three men for the job, including one who would target two people at the reception desk.

“Shoot them both, do not let the blood show. Shoot her from the bottom, two or three shots in her stomach and let her sit on the chair and push her to the front as if she is sleeping," said Paul Kanter during a January 26, 2016, hearing.

Hamzeh's parents left the courthouse Tuesday without comment. His mother cried through much of the proceedings. Hamzeh is being detained without bond.