The Nigerian man accused of attempting to detonate a bomb in an airplane on Christmas pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance on Friday.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's arraignment lasted approximately five minutes in a Detroit federal courthouse. Security was especially tight as protestors gathered in front of the building.
At least one passenger from Northwest Airlines flight 253 attended the arraignment. Hebba Aref, a Detroit area native who sat six rows behind Abdulmutallab on the plane, said she came because the attack "changed my life."
With almost 300 passengers and crew serving as eyewitnesses and with explosive residue allegedly found in the underwear of the defendant, the case against him -- at least on paper -- appears strong.
None of the Abdulmutallab's family was present on Friday. He was promptly returned to a prison 50 miles outside the city.
Earlier this week, a grand jury indicted Abdulmutallab on six charges, including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. He faces life in prison if convicted.
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