Judge rejects bid to dismiss terrorism charge against Las Vegas teen

A judge on Wednesday rejected the attempt by an attorney for a teen facing terrorism and incendiary device charges to have one of his client’s charges dismissed based in part on an argument that the First Amendment protects prayers for terrorism.

Prosecutors have said Joshua Robles, 17, had ISIS execution videos on his phone, plotted against Gov. Joe Lombardo and President Joe Biden, and collected bomb-making components.

Robles was indicted in August and has pleaded not guilty.

Public Defender Dan Cho filed a petition last month seeking the dismissal of Robles’ solicitation of another person to aid or further an act of terrorism charge.

“(A)s prayer is an expressive religious activity, it enjoys protection under the Free Speech Clause as well even if its goals are distasteful or offensive,” Cho asserted.

Read more: Las Vegas Review-Journal