The Latest: Suspect in Jewish centre bomb plot in court

MIAMI – The Latest on Jewish Center-Plot (all times local):

2:35 p.m.

A man accused of plotting to detonate an explosive at a large Jewish centre in South Florida has made his first federal court appearance.

A magistrate judge on Monday appointed a public defender for 40-year-old James Medina, who was arrested Friday. Medina faces life in prison if convicted of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.

A bond hearing for Medina is set for Thursday. His attorney had no immediate comment.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz identified the intended target as the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, which includes a synagogue and school. Wasserman Schultz represents many of its congregants, who were celebrating Passover last week.

Authorities say an FBI undercover investigation provided Medina with an inert device, and he was arrested after accepting it.

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10:45 a.m.

A man is jailed on federal charges stemming from an alleged plot to detonate an explosive at a Jewish centre in South Florida.

Court records show that 40-year-old James Medina is charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. Spokeswoman Sarah Schall of the Miami U.S. attorney’s office says an FBI “national security-related” arrest was made Friday. More details were expected to be released Monday afternoon.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz identified the intended target as the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center. Wasserman Schultz represents many of its congregants, who were celebrating Passover last week.

Schall says there’s no public safety threat related to the arrest. Officials at the centre say it was never in any danger.

Court records don’t yet list an attorney for Medina to contact for comment on the case.

10:20 a.m.

Federal authorities say the FBI has thwarted an unspecified plot aimed at a South Florida Jewish centre.

Spokeswoman Sarah Schall of the Miami U.S. attorney’s office says a “national security-related” arrest was made Friday. No details of the alleged plot or identities of anyone arrested were immediately released Monday. Court records were expected to be unsealed later in the day.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz identified the intended target as the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center. Wasserman Schultz represents many of its congregants, who were celebrating Passover last week.

Schall says there is no current public safety threat related to the arrest.

No further details were immediately available.