Family shocked at charges against local man accused of U.S. Capitol plot

GREEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio (Sydney Benter) -- The Cornell family is confused and shocked by what their son is accused of doing. Christopher Cornell s father, John, often teared up talking about the young man he describes as quiet and shy. I don't think he really knew where he wanted to go in life, said John. I was the same way. When I was a kid and I grew up, I wanted to be a cowboy. I don't think he really knew." He was a homebody, said John. He never went anywhere. We were real close, especially him and his mother." Chris Cornell lived with his parents. His dad said he converted to Islam within the last six to eight months and only became noticeably devout in the last several weeks. "We never talked too much about his faith until like the last couple of weeks he finally started opening up, said John. His father told Local 12 that Chris had been going out with a new friend lately and he assumes that was the FBI informant. He doesn't know why officials didn't arrest him sooner. "I know how they operate, said John. I don't care if people like what I have to say. I know how they operate. They will set you up." When asked if he believed his son s arrest was a set-up John replied that he believed that some of it was. John Cornell said that his son was on the computer a lot. That's one of the many things that the FBI has taken from the family's home. The family said that they're financially strapped and don t know how they'll be able to afford legal help for their son. Tri-State terror suspect bought weapons and ammo at local gun store Man in apparent ISIS-inspired plot included guns and bombs Local gun store owner talks about terror attack suspect Man arrested for plot to attack Capitol attended Oak Hills High School Ohio man accused of plotting to attack US Capitol, arrested Rob Braun talks with CNN terrorism analyst Paul Cruickshank Follow Sydney Benter on Twitter @Local12Sydney, and LIKE her on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!