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Jailed JDL leader brain-dead in suspected suicideJDL calls for investigation of prison incident
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The chairman of the militant Jewish Defense League was declared brain-dead Monday, his lawyer said, after authorities said he tried to kill himself in the prison where he was awaiting trial on charges of conspiring to bomb a mosque and a U.S. congressman's office. The JDL questioned whether the wounds suffered by Irv Rubin, 56, were self-inflicted. "We find it difficult to believe that this was an attempted suicide, and are calling for a full investigation into the events surrounding Mr. Rubin's injuries," the JDL said in a statement. "We are saddened by the news of today," the statement said. "JDL Chairman Irv Rubin is a strong and brave man who has never run from anything in his life." "It's a terrible personal loss," said Rubin's attorney, Peter Morris. Rubin was released from his cell in the Metropolitan Detention Center between 5:30 and 6 a.m. Monday for breakfast, said William Woolsey, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service. "Sometime after that, he sustained self-inflicted injuries," using a shaving razor to cut his throat, Woolsey said. Rubin then fell or jumped from his cell-block tier to the level below, an 18-foot drop, and landed on his head. Woolsey said Rubin's intention was to take his own life. Rubin was taken to County-USC Hospital, where he was put on life support and declared brain dead, Morris said. A hearing set for Monday involving Rubin and another member of the JDL also charged in the case was postponed. A federal grand jury indicted the two men in January on charges that include conspiracy to use a destructive device, attempted arson and attempted arson at a U.S. government facility. Rubin and Earl Krugel were accused of planning to bomb the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City, California, the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Los Angeles and the district office of Rep. Darrell Issa. The bombings were to be carried out by a third party, prosecutors contend. The purpose of the attacks was to send a "wake-up call" or terrorize Muslims in defense of the interests of Jews, according to an FBI affidavit. Both men denied the charges and suspected federal authorities may have entrapped them, according to their attorneys. The alleged plot was broken up by another JDL associate, who tipped federal authorities and began cooperating as part of a sting operation in October 2001. Both men faced prison sentences of up to 35 years if convicted of all charges. Issa, 48, a first-term Republican who represents California's 48th District, is a former army officer who is a Christian of Lebanese descent. He serves on a subcommittee of the International Relations Committee. The JDL advocates the use of "all necessary means" -- even force and violence -- to defend the interest of Jewish people, as well as the return of all Jews to Israel, according to its Web site. CNN Correspondent Ann McDermott contributed to this report.
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