DETROIT (AP) — A mentally ill Vietnam War veteran accused of plotting to attack a popular Michigan mosque says the charges against him are “absurd.”
Roger Stockham told The Associated Press on Thursday at the Wayne County Jail that he meant to spray-paint an anti-Iraq war message on the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn on the day of his January arrest. But he says he didn’t intend to use powerful fireworks he had with him to attack the mosque or worshippers.
The 63-year-old California man acknowledged having threatened to cause explosions in the past but he says that wasn’t the case here. Stockham has bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorders.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of making a false report or threat of terrorism, and possessing explosives with an unlawful intent.
