Keys Backpack Bomb Suspect May Be Incompetent To Stand Trial

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - A Keys man accused of plotting to detonate a backpack bomb in support of an Islamic State terror organization may be mentally incompetent to stand trial, according to his lawyer.

MIAMI (AP) — The attorney for a Florida Keys man says he may be mentally incompetent to stand trial on charges of plotting to detonate a backpack bomb in support of the Islamic State terror organization.

Harlem Suarez is accused of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and of a terrorism support charge.

The FBI says Suarez told an informant he wanted to detonate a backpack bomb on a Key West beach. He was arrested in July after officials say he took an inert device from an FBI employee posing as an Islamic State member.

Suarez's attorney, Richard Della Fera, said his client's mental problems prevent him from understanding court proceedings and assisting in his defense. He's asked the judge to order a mental evaluation of Suarez.

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