The man who is being described as a radical Muslim accused of murdering RTD security officer from behind on a street corner has been charged with first degree murder on Friday (3rd Feb) as authorities said that they are continuing to investigate on case.

During brief court appearance Joshua Cummings 37-year-old faced Judge Martin Egelhoff, he was advised of the charge filed against him in the death of RTD officer Scott Von Lanken. Cummings was in a red jail jumpsuit with his both arms and legs being shackled his left eye was swollen, which is believed due to caused by an infection.

When Judge Egehoff asked Cummings if he understood his rights, he answered “Yes sir”. He has not been asked to enter a plea yet.

Cummings a Texas born, who converted to Islam asked his lawyer to help him in getting a Quran, saying jail officials had been dragging their feet.

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann declined to comment whether investigators have found the motive for the shooting.

RTD officer shot dead in Denver had Arizona tie

She also would not comment on whether federal authorities appropriately responded to concerns raised by members of mosques Cummings attended in Texas and Colorado about hard-line comments.

The Department of Homeland Security received an email from leader at a Denver area mosque saying that a man identifying himself as a convert Muslim named Joshua, from Pampa, Texas. He made worrisome statements during lunch on December 24th last year.

A related copy of the email was released on Thursday by Qusair Mohamedbhai, who is an attorney for the mosque. Earlier in December last year Joshua publicly rebuked a speaker “as being soft” on Shariah law at an open house.

Law enforcement agencies have not addressed whether his alleged radicalization played a role in the murder. Authorities said that they were looking at whether Von Lanken was wearing dark blue uniform at the time of duty which is similar to the uniform worn by the police.

Police also said Lanken could have targeted because he was a member of law enforcement.

Sources describe radical Muslim in death of RTD officer

AMandeep