The trial for the young Minneapolis woman accused of setting fires on St. Catherine University’s campus and who tried to travel to Afghanistan to join al-Qaida has been pushed back due to concerns over her health, court records say.
Tnuza Jamal Hassan’s case was set to go to trial early next month, but an order issued by a federal judge Monday granted her defense attorney’s request to move the trial into April.
“(Hassan) is currently receiving medical and psychiatric care that makes her unavailable to assist defense counsel in preparing for trial,” said the motion filed by Hassan’s defense.
It added that the prosecution did not object to the continuance.
Hassan, 20, was arrested last winter after authorities say she set fires on the St. Catherine University’s campus in St. Paul, where she used to be a student.
No one was injured, but one of the fires was set in a dormitory that also housed a daycare where children were present.
Authorities say the fires were a self-proclaimed act of jihad.
Hassan faces three federal criminal counts, including attempting to support a terrorist organization, and arson. She’s also charged with arson in Ramsey County District Court.
A hearing was scheduled in November to determine Hassan’s mental competency to stand trial.
About two months later, a federal judge issued an order that her trial would begin Feb. 4.
It’s now scheduled to start April 8. Per her request for the continuance, Hassan gave up her right to a speedy trial, court documents say.
This report contains information from the Associated Press.