Saturday, May 19, 2012

Cops: NATO protesters held on terror charges

By The Associated Press

Three protesters at the NATO summit in Chicago have been charged with terrorism conspiracy stemming from allegations that they planned to make Molotov cocktails, police said. 

Chicago police Lt. Kenneth Stoppa told The Associated Press early Saturday that the three were being held on charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism, possession of an explosive or incendiary device and providing material support.


He said they would face a bond hearing later Saturday morning. 

Stoppa identified the men charged as 20-year-old Brian Church, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; 24-year-old Jared Chase, of Keene, N.H.; and 24-year-old Brent Vincent Betterly, of Oakland Park, Mass. 

Their attorney, Sarah Gelsomino, told AP the men were "absolutely in shock and have no idea where these charges are coming from." 

Six others initially arrested have been released.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for more details.

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