WASHINGTON (AP) - Prosecutors say a Coast Guard lieutenant is a "domestic terrorist" who wrote about biological attacks and had a hit list that included prominent Democrats and media figures.

Christopher Paul Hasson is due in court on Thursday in Maryland. He was arrested on gun and drug charges last week.

Prosecutors say Hasson espoused extremist views for years. Court papers detail a June 2017 draft email in which Hasson described an "interesting idea" that included "biological attacks followed by attack on food supply."

Federal agents found 15 firearms and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition when Hasson was arrested. Prosecutors say he also had compiled a list of prominent congressional Democrats, activists, journalists and media commentators.

Hasson's attorney declined to comment on Wednesday. His arrest was first noted by researchers from George Washington University.

US Coast Guard Headquarters Chief Warrant Officer Barry Lane, spokesman U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters stated, "An active duty Coast Guard member, stationed at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, was arrested last week on illegal weapons and drug charges as a result of an ongoing investigation led by the Coast Guard Investigative Service, in cooperation with the FBI and Department of Justice. Because this is an open investigation, the Coast Guard has no further details at this time."

Documents obtained by CNN from the U.S. Distric Court for the District of Maryland show the list contained several names, including Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal.

A statement released on Wednesday evening from a spokesperson from Senator Blumenthal's office read:

“Senator Blumenthal is grateful to the FBI and federal prosecutors for their work on this case and their ongoing efforts to combat violent and hateful extremism.”


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