Suspected NY, NJ bomber pleads not guilty

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The suspect in a string of bombings across New York and New Jersey earlier this year pleaded not guilty Tuesday to five counts of attempted murder of police officers.

Amhad Khan Rahimi did not speak during the proceedings -- his first court appearance since he was taken into custody following a shootout with police.

He is accused of setting off of bombs in New Jersey and New York that injured more than 30 victims.

Rahimi has been held without bail since his Sept. 19 arrest.

He pulled a weapon on officers after he was found sleeping in the alcove of a bar, authorities say, prompting the exchange of gunfire that left him with seven bullet wounds. One officer was shot but his bulletproof vest stopped the bullet, and another was grazed by a bullet.

In addition to the five counts of attempted murder, Rahimi faces other weapons-related charges.

He has also pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the bombing of a Manhattan neighborhood that injured 31 victims.

Rahimi is due back in count in February.