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Courtroom Attacker Charged With Attempted Murder, Terrorism

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A 35-year-old man caught on courtroom video trying to attack a Michigan prosecutor with a piece of metal has been charged with terrorism and attempted murder.

The incident occurred in August in a Lansing-area courtroom, where Joshua Harding was on trial for sexual abuse. Just prior a jury convicting Harding of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, he allegedly removed a metal shank from his shirt sleeve and rushed towards Assistant Prosecutor Roth, allegedly trying to stab him in the head.

The video shows the prosecutor getting out of the way at the last second while a police detective tackles Harding.

The attorney general's office announced charges Thursday against Harding, saying a terrorism charge is allowed in the case of a violent felony that could affect the conduct of government. He's expected to be formally arraigned Thursday. Other charges include carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon in jail.

A defense attorney hasn't been assigned yet. If convicted as charged, Harding faces up to life in prison.

Meantime, Harding was sentenced this week to about 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a girl in a cemetery.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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