A Florida Keys man charged in an undercover FBI investigation with plotting to set off a backpack bomb in solidarity with the Islamic State group was ordered held without bond in a Miami courtroom Tuesday.
At his arraignment hearing Tuesday, 23-year-old Harlem Suarez of Key West, entered a plea of not guilty. A judge ordered Suarez held without bond and ordered that he is to be kept in isolation and is to remain behind bars until trial.
Suarez faces life in prison if convicted of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to terrorists.
Defense attorney Richard Della Fera says Suarez is no terrorist.
The FBI says Suarez wanted to detonate a homemade bomb on a Key West beach. He was arrested in July after taking possession of an inert explosive device.
The FBI sting began after Suarez allegedly posted pro-Islamic State rhetoric on his Facebook page.
