Suspect in NY, NJ bombings pleads not guilty

NEW YORK (AA) – The suspect in the New York City bombings that injured 29 people last month pleaded not guilty Thursday from his hospital bed a week after regaining consciousness.

Ahmad Khan Rahimi, 28, was accused of setting off bombs in New Jersey and New York on Sept. 17-18 in the New Jersey cities of Seaside Park and Elizabeth, as well as the Chelsea section of New York.

Rahimi, who is facing state as well as federal charges, was shot seven times in an encounter with police officers when he was found sleeping in the entrance of a tavern in Elizabeth, and has since been at hospital.

He appeared in a hearing Thursday from the University Hospital where his treatment continues.

The bombings occurred on the eve of the UN General Assembly meeting here, caused an increase in the already massive police presence in the city and triggered even greater cooperation between the New York and New Jersey in pursuit of the suspect.