Blogger Charged with Inciting Violence Appears in Court

Matt Dwyer Reporting

A New Jersey man appears in Hartford Superior Court for the first time, to face accusations of threatening state lawmakers.

Blogger Hal Turner went before a judge for just a few minutes.

He said nothing in court, and entered NO plea.

He arrived a few minutes late, wearing a dark suit and tie.

Outside the courtroom, his lawyer said there would be no comment.

The judge set Turner's next court appearance for July 14.

According to an arrest warrant for Turner, he allegedly told state Capitol Police "...We hope that nombody's going to go off the deep end and do something terrible, but..." He paused, according to state Capitol Police, and then said "You never can tell."

The arrest warrant also reveals how state Capitol Police found out about the internet writings. A staffer for Representative James Lawlor, one of the lawmakers targeted, routinely searches the internet for stories about his boss, and came across the blog posting.

Turner is accused of writing on his blog about taking up arms against two liberal state lawmakers, and an official with the Office of State Ethics, and promising to provide their home addresses.

He also said there were enough bullets for any prosecutors, police, or court officials who got in the way.

Investigators also say when they spote to Turner, on the phone, he admitted posting the article, and took responsibility for what he wrote.

Prosecutors and Police see the statements as a crime -- inciting injury to people or property.

But Turner's lawyers previously said the statements were free speech, protected by the first amendment.