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Man accused in U.S. Capitol terror plot enters plea

CINCINNATI - An Ohio man has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of plotting to kill officials and workers at the U.S. Capitol.

Twenty-year-old Christopher Lee Cornell entered the pleas Thursday during a brief arraignment in federal court. He will continue to be held without bond.

Cornell was indicted Wednesday on charges that carry possible sentences of up to 20 years each. They allege attempted murder of U.S. officials and employees and solicitation to commit a crime of violence. He also faces a firearms-related charge.

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During the court appearance, a federal magistrate denied Cornell's request to be called by his Muslim name.

Family members declined to comment afterward, and his attorney left without commenting.

Cornell was arrested Jan. 14 outside a gun shop near his home in suburban Cincinnati.

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