Christopher Lee Cornell, 20, indicted on federal charges that allege he attempted to murder US officials and employees at the US Capitol

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A man has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of plotting to kill officials and workers at the US Capitol.

Twenty-year-old Christopher Lee Cornell entered the pleas on Thursday during a brief arraignment in federal court. He will continue to be held without bond.

Cornell was indicted Wednesday on charges that carry possible sentences of up to 20 years each. They allege attempted murder of US officials and employees and solicitation to commit a crime of violence. He also faces a firearms-related charge.

During the court appearance, a federal magistrate denied Cornell’s request to be called by his Muslim name.

Family members declined to comment afterward, and his attorney left without commenting.

His attorney didn’t respond to messages on Wednesday. Cornell’s father has said he was coerced.



Cornell was arrested 14 January outside a gun shop near his home in Ohio.