Outburst in Court at Taheri-azar Hearing

Monday, March 05, 2007

By Ken Ward

(03/05/07 -- HILLSBOROUGH) (WTVD) -- Authorities in Orange County had their hands full keeping Mohammed Taheri-azar in line while in court.

Taheri-azar, 23, is accused of driving a sport utility vehicle through a crowd of UNC students last March.

Monday he was in court to discuss letters he wrote to Eyewitness News and other news organizations from prison shortly after the attack. In those letters he admitted to driving his vehicle into "The Pit" at UNC to avenge the deaths of Muslims around the world.

During today's hearing, Taheri-azar yelled "death to America" as he entered the Orange County courtroom. "I hate all Americans," he said. "All Jews. May they all burn in hell. Death to Israel," yelled Taheri-azar.

The judge warned Taheri-azar to be quiet during the proceedings. That's when Taheri-azar turned to his own lawyer and said, "I don't know this moron."

That's when the judge order the already restrained Taheri-azar removed from the courtroom.

James Williams, Taheri-azar's lawyer reacted to his outburst. "He does have a severe mental illness and that mentall illness affects his actions and I believe affected his actions on the day in question and still affects his behavior and was affecting his behavior in court today," Williams said.

Taheri-azar pleaded not guilty in January to 19 counts attempted murder and assault charges. He is currently being held at Central Prison in Raleigh on a $5.5 million bond.

Officials have transported Taheri-azar to Dorothea Dix Hospital for a full mental evaluation. Doctors there will decide whether or not he's fit to stand trial.

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