Former TSA Screener Not Fit To Stand Trial For Allegedly Making 9/11-Related Threats
On Monday a judge ruled the 30-year-old man must seek treatment after it was determined that he was not mentally competent to stand trial after being arrested on six federal charges, The Los Angeles Times reports.
The man is accused of intentionally conveying false information and making telephonic threats after resigning from his post at LAX in September 2013.
After reviewing the man’s mental health evaluation, a U.S. District Judge determined he suffered from a mental disorder and cannot help in his own defense.
If the man is determined to be competent at a later date he could face trial. If convicted of all charges he could face up to 45 years in prison.
The Times reports the man made a rambling statement about doing the work of God during a recent court hearing.
After resigning from his job on Sept. 10, the man allegedly left a number of threats against LAX. These include leaving a package at the airport containing an eight-page letter detailing his complaints about a June 2013 incident that had led to a week-long suspension.
Shortly after resigning the man allegedly made three calls to airport officials warning the TSA was running out of time and that the airport should be evacuated.
When authorities arrived at the man’s apartment he was nowhere to be found. However, officials did find a note reading “09/11/2013 THERE WILL BE FIRE! FEAR! FEAR! FEAR!”
The man was finally spotted sleeping in a van parked by a local church and arrested by police without incident.
Investigators later found several online letters signed by the man that contained anti-American statements and references to the end of the world.
Former TSA screener incompetent for trial on LAX threats, judge rules [The Los Angeles Times]
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