It certainly is a popular defense to pursue or explore in jihadist cases.
An update on Khaled Aldawsari, who once wrote: “In the name of Allah The Beneficient, The Merciful. Nitro [urea] explosive is more powerful than T.N.T.” He also stated that he came to the United States with the intention of staging an attack.
“Attorney for Saudi man charged in alleged terror plot files notice to pursue insanity defense,” from the Associated Press, November 9 (thanks to Kenneth):
LUBBOCK, Texas “” The attorney for a Saudi man accused of trying to make a weapon of mass destruction will use an insanity defense in the case.
Rod Hobson, the attorney for Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, filed notice of his plan Wednesday at a federal courthouse in Lubbock, Texas.
Prosecutors allege Aldawsari bought chemicals and equipment to build a weapon of mass destruction. The 21-year-old U.S. college student from Saudi Arabia has pleaded not guilty.
Earlier this week, Hobson filed to a motion seeking psychiatric and psychological exams for Aldawsari.
Aldawsari was arrested Feb. 23. Court documents allege he planned to attack various U.S. targets, including sites in New York City and former President George W. Bush’s home in Dallas.
A trial is set for Jan. 9.