EL PASO, Texas – Mark Robert Walker, the Stanwood High School graduate arrested in El Paso on suspicion of supporting a Somalian terrorist group, was denied bond Monday.
Walker’s uncle was ready to co-sign a bond, although hesitant to put up property as collateral, said Walker’s attorney, Robert Castaeda.
But U.S. Magistrate Norbert Garney called Walker a “significant flight risk” and denied bail at a hearing Monday afternoon.
Walker, 19, was arrested Nov. 6 at the Paso del Norte Bridge, trying to enter the United States for an alleged meeting at the El Paso International Airport with a contact he said he met online.
Walker fled his Laramie, Wy., college dorm Oct. 28, after his roommate told authorities that Walker apparently reached out to terrorist sympathizers through the Internet.
In El Paso, Walker was charged with attempting to make a contribution of goods and services to Al-Ittihad Al-Islamiya, a Somalian terrorist organization. He faces up to 10 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.
FBI officials have described Walker as somewhat of a disturbed young man.
Walker told officials he wanted to fly to Somalia to fight for an Islamic Somalian government, but didn’t have a plane ticket on him. He wanted to buy expensive bullet proof vests and night vision goggles.
He had $2,100 in $100 bills on him when he was arrested.
That would be enough to buy about one pair of inexpensive night vision goggles, or about eight cheap bulletproof vests, according to prices found on the Internet.
Herald staff contributed to this story.
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