MIAMI – 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 is set to enter a plea in court.
An arraignment hearing is scheduled Tuesday in Miami for 23-year-old Harlem Suarez of Key West, who is expected to plead not guilty. 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.
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