The Latest: Judge sets trial date for Capitol plot suspect

CINCINNATI – The Latest on the competency hearing for Capitol terror plot suspect Christopher Lee Cornell (all times local):

12:50 p.m.

A Nov. 1 trial has been scheduled for an Ohio man accused of plotting to attack the U.S. Capitol in support of the Islamic State group.

U.S. District Judge Sandra Beckwith says she is moving ahead with trial plans after testimony Monday in a hearing that indicates Christopher Lee Cornell is competent to stand trial.

A defence psychologist strongly advised that Cornell be re-evaluated before trial, saying his condition could change. He testified that the 22-year-old suburban Cincinnati youth has at times been overwhelmed by depression and expressed suicidal thoughts.

11:15 a.m.

A psychologist who has met repeatedly with a suburban Ohio man accused of plotting to attack the U.S. Capitol in support of the Islamic State group says he has begun referring to himself again by his birth name and appears competent to stand trial.

The testimony by the defence witness Monday came during a competency hearing in Cincinnati for Christopher Lee Cornell, whose attorneys had raised questions about his mental state.

U.S. District Judge Sandra Beckwith says she will review testimony and evaluation reports, but is moving ahead with plans to set a trial date.

Cornell has been held without bond since his January 2015 arrest near Cincinnati. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder of U.S. officials and employees.

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6:15 a.m.

A federal judge will hear arguments and testimony on whether an Ohio man charged with plotting to attack the U.S. Capitol in support of the Islamic State group is competent to stand trial.

U.S. District Judge Sandra Beckwith earlier ordered a mental evaluation of 22-year-old Christopher Lee Cornell after his attorneys raised questions about his mental state. Evaluation reports for both sides have been filed under seal.

Defence attorney Martin Pinales (pi-NEL’-us) said Monday’s hearing will be “an important factor in getting this case resolved.”

There’s no trial date for Cornell, who has been held without bond since his January 2015 arrest near Cincinnati. He has pleaded not guilty to four charges, including attempted murder of U.S. officials and employees. His father has said he was misled and coerced by “a snitch.”