Bond Denied For Suspect In Chicago-Area FAA Fire

A suburban Chicago man has been ordered held without bond on charges he set a fire at an air traffic control center, causing damage that brought Chicago's two international airports to a halt.

Brian Howard, 36, of Naperville appeared before a federal judge Monday afternoon.
 
Defense attorney Ron Safer told reporters after the hearing that Howard made a "tragic mistake'' and "deeply regrets'' the trouble he caused for air travelers Friday. Safer asked the public for compassion and forgiveness.

Prosecutors say Howard started the fire Friday at a regional control center in suburban Aurora before trying to commit suicide by slitting his throat. He wore a large white bandage on his neck in court.
 
More than 2,000 flights were canceled at O'Hare and Midway international airports, disrupting travel nationwide.