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The man charged with possessing an explosive device and a loaded shotgun on Capitol Hill filed several motions last week to dismiss his case and suppress evidence prosecutors want to use in trial.
One motion filed by Michael Gorbey, 38, who is representing himself, said the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm should be dropped because Washington, D.C.’s strict firearm licensing and registration laws go against the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms.
The Supreme Court is currently deciding whether D.C.’s gun ban is constitutional.
Gorbey also argued the case against him should be dismissed because D.C.’s jury system under-represents African-Americans on juries, which he said would prevent him from receiving a fair trial.
Gorbey faces 15 counts by the U.S. attorney’s office. U.S. Capitol Police allege he was carrying a loaded shotgun and a backpack full of ammunition while walking toward the Supreme Court in January. Investigators say they found an improvised explosive device three weeks later in a truck they allege Gorbey drove prior to his arrest.
Gorbey has also filed a motion to suppress the evidence police gathered from the truck.
“Gorbey was at no time in custody or possession of this vehicle or any of the alleged weapons or ammunition believed to be contained in said truck,” he wrote.
Gorbey’s trial is set to begin on April 21. |
