Ahmad Khan Rahimi has pleaded not guilty to New Jersey state charges related to planting bombs in New York City and New Jersey. Rahimi has been accused of planting at multiple bombs, one which injured at least 30 people, during the September 17, 2016 terror attacks. Rahimi was arrested on September 19, 2016 after a shootout with police in Linden, New Jersey.
Rahimi has also pleaded not guilty to the charges being levied against him by the State of New York. The Afghan-born U.S. citizen also faces a slew of federal charges. The New Jersey charges include a 30-count indictment which is compromised of five counts of attempted murder of law enforcement officers and a variety of assault and weapons charges.
During the firefight with police, Rahimi shot one officer in his protective vest and wounded a second officer when a bullet fragment hit his head. Neither officer was seriously injured.
His public defender, Peggy Cross-Goldenberg has requested the March 27 court date be extended for further preparations due to the overwhelming amount of discovery material provided by the U.S. Government. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Berman states that he expects a speedy and decisive trial. He told reporters:
“We’re going to have a speedy trial. If the 27th is impossible, it’s not going to be long after that.”
Superior Court Judge Regina Caulfield had previously set bail for him at $5.2 million. He is expected back in state court on February 28, 2016.
[revad2]
