Montreal man denied bail in Michigan airport stabbing mutters 'Allahu akbar' in court

A Montreal man accused of stabbing an airport police officer at a Michigan airport was denied bail Wednesday and will remain in custody.

• Montreal suspect in Michigan airport stabbing had tried to buy a gun, FBI says
• Montreal man suspected in stabbing of police officer at Michigan airport

Amor Ftouhiwas wearing a medical mask and repeatedly muttered "Allahu akbar" (literally, it "God is great") when he appeared at a bail hearing. Police have allegedFtouhiyelled that phrase as he stabbed Lt. Jeff Neville in the neck a week ago at Bishop International Airport.

FBI investigating Michigan airport knife attack as an act of terrorism

7 years ago

Duration 1:28

Authorities identify Canadian resident Amor Ftouhi as the suspected attacker

Ftouhi, a 49-year-old native of Tunisia, ischarged with committing violence at an airport.

Joan Morgan, a lawyer for Ftouhi, did not object to the government's request that he stay in jail. Morgan said he would be held by U.S. immigration authorities even if he weregranted bail.Court officials would not confirm where he is being held in custody.

Despite sustaining a 30-centimetre wound that doctors say narrowly missed nerves and major arteries, Neville was released from hospital Monday.

Ftouhi previously told court officials he has lived in Canada for a decade and has three children.

The FBI believes he crossed into the United States at Champlain, N.Y., on June 16 and arrived in Michigan two days later.

Before travelling to Flint, helived in an apartment in Montreal'sSt-Michel neighbourhood, where neighbours described him as a"good person" who tended to keep to himself.

The FBI saidFtouhi bought a knife during his five days in the U.S., and was unsuccessful at trying to buy a gun.

Ftouhi is next scheduled toappear in court July 5 for a preliminary hearing.