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 and two other militia members 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.
Defense attorney Ed Robinson says his client was led by the government’s paid informant and an FBI undercover agent.
Earlier another suspect waived a detention hearing and pleaded not guilty in what prosecutors say was a conspiracy by a militia group to detonate truck bombs at an apartment complex where 120 Somali immigrants live.
Gavin Wright’s decision means the 51-year-old from Liberal, Kansas, remains in federal custody pending trial. The hearing for another defendant is still on track.
Defense attorney Kari Schmidt told the court she and Wrignt have concerns about his safety if he’s released.
Prosecutors contend Wright and two other men arrested in the case pose a “substantial danger” to the community.
Wright and co-defendants Patrick Stein and Curtis Allen are charged with conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction in the meatpacking town of Garden City.
Wright has no criminal history.
