David Hoose, of Northampton, who is terror suspect Alexander Ciccolo's attorney spoke with reporters outside Federal court in Springfield Tuesday shortly after a U.S. Magistrate ordered Ciccolo held without bail.
Ciccolo is being held at the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls Rhode Island.
Ciccolo, is alleged to have stabbed a nurse in the head with a pen shortly after he was brought to the Franklin County Jail in Greenfield after his arrest July 4th. Hoose said Ciccolo regrets assaulting the nurse.
Hoose would not comment on reports Ciccolo has a history of mental illness. He would not discuss defense strategy in the case.
So far, Ciccolo is charged with being a felon in possession of weapons. But government papers filed with the court said he was plotting a terrorist attack on a university.
During the 40 minute hearing Tuesday the prosecution played what Asst. U.S. Atty Kevin O'Regan said was a nine minute excerpt of a 90 minute interview the FBI conducted with Ciccolo after his arrest. During the portion played in court, a soft-spoken Ciccolo said the Islamic state known as ISIL " is doing a good thing" He said the U.S. is " unjust."
Hoose, in arguing to release Ciccolo into the custody of his mother and stepfather, who were in court, said no threats of violence were made by the defendent during the portion of the interview played in court.
He said the mother and stepfather live a remote part of the Berkshires. He would not reveal the exact location.
Update: Alexander Ciccolo is being kept in custody until his trial. Saying the risks are great if Ciccolo is released, U.S. Magistrate Katherine Robertson ordered detention without bail around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
This report was originally published by WAMC-FM.
