Coast Guard Lt. Facing Weapons, Drug Charges Could Be Released On Bail
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) — A Coast Guard officer from Maryland accused of stockpiling guns and compiling a hit list of Democrats and journalists could be released on bail, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
Christopher Hasson was indicted in February of firearms and drug charges. Prosecutors said he was planning a domestic terror attack targeting Democrats and journalists.
But since he has not been charged with any terrorism-related offenses his attorney's fought for him to be released.
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Charging documents claimed Hasson "wanted to murder innocent civilians on a scale rarely seen."
His attorney wrote a letter stating prosecutors informed the court they do not plan to seek any additional charges.
The U.S. Attorney's Office released a statement on the case:
At Christopher Hasson's detention hearing today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day stated that he will release Lt. Hasson if the defense can propose suitable conditions of release. As of now, Mr. Hasson remains detained pending further possible proceedings. The government will oppose any conditions of release. If Judge Day does order the defendant's release, the Government intends to appeal such release to the U.S. District Judge presiding over the case, on the basis of the danger to the community posed by the defendant.
There is no other court appearance scheduled at this time.
