Coast Guard Lt. Accused Of Terror Plot Can Be Released To Family

SILVER SPRING, MD — A federal judge ruled Tuesday that a Coast Guard lieutenant accused of plotting a domestic terrorist attack can be released from custody while awaiting trial, but then decided to delay the release so prosecutors have time to appeal his decision, according to multiple outlets.

Christopher Paul Hasson — a self-proclaimed white nationalist from Silver Spring — was indicted on illegal firearm and drug charges in February, but hasn't faced any terrorism-related charges.

While he has "grave concerns" about Hasson's alleged actions, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day said that the government did not meet a standard keep Hasson in custody, according to CNN.

In court on Tuesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Day said Hasson can be released to relatives in Virginia as he awaits trial, the Associated Press reports. Day said Hasson will be under 24-detention at either his mother-in-law's rental home or his father-in-law's residence in Virginia. The outlet reports that court officials must inspect the homes and set up surveillance equipment.

Hasson, however, will not be released immediately.

According to the AP, Day is first giving prosecutors time to appeal his decision to a district court judge.

Federal prosecutors have repeatedly accused Hasson of being a "domestic terrorist."

Though Hasson has only been indicted on gun and drug charges, prosecutors insist that these charges are just the "proverbial tip of the iceberg."

Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Hasson's residence in Silver Spring on Feb. 15. A search of the basement apartment he shares with his wife turned up 17 firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, according to officials. Hasson was arrested that day.

According to court documents filed by prosecutors, Hasson planned attacks on the U.S. and targeted presidential candidates Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York; Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts; Cory Booker, D-New Jersey; and Kamala Harris, D-California. Other prominent public figures on the list included MSNBC's Chris Hayes and Joe Scarborough and CNN's Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo.

"The defendant is a domestic terrorist, bent on committing acts dangerous to human life that are intended to affect governmental conduct," officials with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Maryland said.

Court records did not reveal when Hasson planned to strike, but said he has been stockpiling supplies since 2017. Authorities claim that Hasson wanted to establish a "white homeland."