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Would-Be Terrorist Christopher Cornell To Be Sentenced

Christopher Cornell faces up to life in prison when sentenced Monday.
Provided
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Butler County Sheriff
Christopher Cornell faces up to life in prison when sentenced Monday.

A Green Township man turned would-be terrorist will be sentenced in federal court in Cincinnati Monday morning.

Christopher Cornell was arrested almost two years ago when he was buying semi-automatic weapons and 600 rounds of ammunition. The Justice Department says he planned to build, plant, and detonate pipe bombs at and near the U.S. Capitol and then use the firearms to shoot and kill employees and officers there.

The government says Cornell established and used Twitter accounts and that's where he met people to plan the attack. The FBI says Cornell told an informant that “we should just wage jihad under our own orders and plan attacks and everything.”

(left) The father of Christopher Cornell, John Cornell, said initially that his son was coerced into this; and that he is being portrayed as "one of them," referring to terrorists.
Credit Ann Thompson / WVXU
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WVXU
(left) The father of Christopher Cornell, John Cornell, said initially that his son was coerced into this; and that he is being portrayed as "one of them," referring to terrorists.

At the time of his initial court appearance Cornell's father said his son was coerced into this; and that he is being portrayed as "one of them,'' referring to terrorists. Cornell pleaded guilty in August to charges of:

  • attempted murder of government officials and employees
  • possession of a firearm in furtherance of an attempted crime of violence
  • attempted material support from a terrorist organization. 

Cornell faces up to life in prison.

 

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With more than 30 years of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market, Ann Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting. She has reported for WKRC, WCKY, WHIO-TV, Metro Networks and CBS/ABC Radio. Her work has been recognized by the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2019 and 2011 A-P named her “Best Reporter” for large market radio in Ohio. She has won awards from the Association of Women in Communications and the Alliance for Women in Media. Ann reports regularly on science and technology in Focus on Technology.