FLINT, Mich. – A Canadian man accused of stabbing an airport police officer in Flint was in court Wednesday for a detention hearing and mumbled "Allahu akbar" as the proceedings began.

Joan Morgan, an attorney for Amor Ftouhi , didn't object to the government's request that he stay in jail. She told a federal judge Wednesday that the 49-year-old defendant from Montreal would be held by U.S. immigration authorities even if granted bond in the criminal case.

Morgan declined to comment to reporters. Ftouhi wore a medical mask over his mouth and twice mumbled "Allahu Akbar" as he entered the courtroom.

In courtroom Flint airport attack suspect Amor Ftouhi mumbles Allahu Akbar through a medical mask he wore for undisclosed illness. #Local4 — Kevin Dietz (@kevincdietz) June 28, 2017

Ftouhi is a native of Tunisia. Police say he yelled "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great" during the attack.

He is charged with committing violence at the Flint airport by stabbing Lt. Jeff Neville in the neck last week.

Ftouhi will remain in jail while his case proceeds.

Listen to the court audio below (Ftouhi saying "Allahu akbar" was said before court audio began recording):

Flint airport stabbing suspect Amor Ftouhi has been ordered to stay behind bars pending trial at a detention hearing in Federal court today — Kevin Dietz (@kevincdietz) June 28, 2017

READ: Who is Flint terror attack suspect Amor Ftouhi?

READ: Criminal complaint against Flint terror suspect Amor Ftouhi

READ: Officer stabbed in Flint airport terror attack released from hospital

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