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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The Latest on the trial of three militia members accused of plotting to bomb a Kansas mosque and apartment complex (all times local):
2:45 p.m.
An attorney for one of three Kansas militia members accused of plotting to blow up an apartment complex where Somali immigrants lived says that other members of the militia didn't tell authorities about it because "none of them ever took the talk seriously."
Attorney Jim Pratt, who represents alleged plot leader Patrick Stein, said none of the plot would have happened without an informant paid by the FBI.
Richard Federico, another defense attorney, says the informant was on mission to infiltrate militia groups and the FBI used him to target the men.
Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen have pleaded not guilty to several charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Defense attorneys presented their opening arguments Thursday afternoon. The prosecution made its statement earlier in the day.
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12:05 p.m.
A federal prosecutor says three militia members accused of plotting to bomb an apartment complex housing Somali immigrants were trying to murder as many Muslims as possible.
In her opening statement Thursday at their trial, Risa Berkower told jurors that they described the Somalis as "cockroaches" and wanted to set off bombs that would kill them in the meatpacking town of Garden City, Kansas, about 220 miles (350 kilometers) west of Wichita.
Patrick Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen have pleaded not guilty to several charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Their attorneys will make opening statements later Thursday.
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10:45 a.m.
A jury has been selected for the trial of three militia members accused of plotting to bomb a mosque and apartment complex housing Somali immigrants in Kansas.
Opening statements are expected to begin later Thursday in the trial of Patrick Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen. All three have pleaded not guilty to several charges, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Prosecutors say a militia member tipped off federal authorities after becoming alarmed by escalating talk of violence.
Defense attorneys say the case is "uniquely political" because much of the anticipated evidence is in reaction to the 2016 presidential election. They argue the case will require jurors to weigh evidence regarding whether the alleged conduct constitutes criminal activity or constitutionally protected speech and assembly.
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