PITTSBURGH – Federal prosecutors have presented a case against a local Pittsburgh resident who has been charged not only with possession of child sexual abuse material but also with disseminating antisemitic flyers targeting the Jewish community in the area. The news comes amid revelations that the accused, Aidan Harding, 20, has expressed a desire to carry out a “high kill-count” attack in the past.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh announced on Wednesday that they have successfully opposed bail for Harding during a prior court hearing. The young man has been indicted on charges related to videos and photographs containing inappropriate content involving children under the age of 12.
Aidan Harding’s defense team has argued against the potential risk of him fleeing. They claim that Harding, having spent all his life living in the Pittsburgh vicinity and currently being employed at a family-operated farm, does not pose a flight risk. They further stated in a court filing on February 12 that the allegations relate to possession of material on his smartphone without accusations of production or attempts to engage with minors.
Prosecutors have put forth accusations that Harding subscribes to a “racially-motivated violent extremist ideology” and is in possession of over 20 firearms. Additionally, it has been reported that Harding was previously adjudicated delinquent due to making online terroristic threats with the intention of executing a “high kill-count” assault.
In a case filing, defense attorneys Chris Capozzi and Casey Mullen asserted that, while the government points to Harding’s adherence to a racially charged ideology and possible visits to extremist websites, such behavior, although objectionable, does not constitute criminal activity. They further confirmed the legitimacy of Harding’s firearm ownership. Mullen has not provided any comments about the situation as of Wednesday.
Despite these arguments, Magistrate Judge Christopher B. Brown has ruled for Harding’s continued detention until the trial proceedings. Records from the Butler County Prison telephone system have confirmed his incarceration at the facility as of Wednesday afternoon.
