Three Men Accused of Plotting 3D-Printed Firearm Attack on Islamic Center
Three individuals appeared in court, facing charges of preparing an act of terrorism by allegedly planning an attack on an Islamic center using a 3D-printed firearm. Brogan Stewart, 24, from Wakefield, Marco Pitzettu, 24, from Derby, and Christopher Ringrose, 33, from Cannock, Staffordshire, are accused of obtaining extreme right-wing ideological texts, joining extremist chat forums, and acquiring material on manufacturing 3D-printed firearms.
The trio is also alleged to have disseminated information on firearms and ammunition, as well as identified potential targets for their attack. According to Mark Luckett, the prosecutor, the defendants discussed a plan to target an Islamic education center in Leeds and identified human targets in the area.
The arrests were made on February 20 as part of a pre-planned, intelligence-led operation during which a 3D printer and component parts for an FGC-9 semi-automatic firearm were seized. A fourth individual, a 46-year-old man from Leicester, was also arrested but later released without charge.
Appearing via video link at Westminster Magistrates Court, the defendants wore gray prison-issue tracksuits and were remanded in custody pending a hearing at the Old Bailey next month. Bail applications were denied, and the defendants' lawyers indicated that they would contest the charges. No pleas were entered during the hearing.
