The man accused of stabbing a police officer at the Flint airport last month now faces up to life in prison.
In a clear, confident voice, Amor Ftouhi said “Allahu Akbar” a half dozen times as he entered the federal courtroom for his arraignment. The only other times he spoke were to tell the judge he understood the charges against him.
Ftouhi calmly answered questions from the judge about the charges he faces.
A federal grand jury indicted Ftouhi on two counts, “violence at an international airport” and “interference with airport security.” The second charge carries with it a potential life sentence.
U.S. District Magistrate Judge Stephanie Davis Dawkins' entered not guilty pleas to both charges on Ftouhi’s behalf.
Ftouhi is accused of stabbing Lt. Jeff Neville at Flint’s Bishop International airport June 21st. Neville suffered a 12-inch gash to his neck, but survived. The veteran police officer rode in a 4th of July parade in Fenton yesterday, and was applauded by people lining the route of the parade.
The date of Ftouhi’s next court appearance has not yet been set.
His case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Linda Parker, which suggests Ftouhi’s case will remain in Flint.
