Investigation into Christopher Cornell's past

CINCINNATI (Larry Davis) -- Local 12 has learned that Christopher Cornell was the only protester at a 9/11 observance in Green Township in 2013. Police say Cornell interrupted the proceedings by shouting and carrying a sign that read the September 11 attacks were an inside job. Cornell was not cited for the disruption. Local and federal agents arrested the Green Township man Wednesday, January 14, outside a gun store in Colerain Township. Investigators say the man, who allegedly aligned himself with ISIS, wanted to set off pipe bombs inside the U.S. Capitol and shoot people as they ran out. Cornell, 20, sits in isolation inside the Butler County Jail. It's one of two local facilities contracted to house people who face federal charges. Cornell attended Oak Hills High School. The school declined to have someone speak on camera about the case but did issue a brief statement this morning. Current OHHS principal John Stoddard said: "Christopher Cornell was a 2012 graduate of Oak Hills High School. During his time at Oak Hills High School, he was a typical student. Christopher was not a disruption or a discipline problem in school. His teachers were shocked at the news of his involvement in this situation. Teachers at Oak Hills High School remember Christopher as a quiet, but not overly reserved, student who would participate in class and did not withdraw from his class work." Local 12 has an exclusive photo of Cornell being arrested by members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force at the Point Blank West Range and Gun Shop on Harrison Avenue in Colerain Township. Federal authorities say he was there to purchase two semi-automatic rifles. They say his plan was to attack the U.S. Capitol and kill congressional employees. Kevin Tierney is a former special assistant with the U.S. attorney's office and former special agent with the secret service. He says the investigation into Cornell is far from over. "There's undoubtedly leads that are being pursued based on information they're getting in the course of the investigation. You can tell from the affidavit that this guy was communicating with people overseas, not to mention within this country as well, so there's a lot of leads to be followed in this case for sure." Tierney, who now works with the law firm Frost, Brown and Todd, says based on the affidavit alone it appears the government has substantial evidence against Cornell, since he has been under investigation since last summer. He also says Cornell fits the profile of the type of person the government tells us to be aware of - young, with not too many positive things going on in his life, a target for being radicalized. Kevin Tierney also believes there is a good chance that Cornell will be prosecuted here in the Southern District of Ohio. He is set to appear in Cincinnati federal court Friday for a detention hearing. Cornell faces charges of attempted killing of a U.S. government officer and possession of a firearm in furtherance of an attempted crime of violence. (Photo courtesy: Oak Hills Caledonian) Christopher Cornell's family shocked at charges Tri-State terror suspect bought guns at local gun shop For more about Cornell in Butler County Jail Rob Braun talks with terror expert Rich Jaffe explains what Cornell purchased Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!