St. Louis man accused of bringing gun to state Capitol to show governor pleads not guilty

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A St. Louis man accused of trying to bring a gun inside of the Missouri Capitol on Tuesday morning plead not guilty in a Wednesday afternoon hearing.

The Cole County Prosecutor's Office charged Alok K. Rohra, 36, with a felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon. Rohra reportedly tried to enter the Missouri Capitol with a black duffel bag using the south checkpoint at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday.

At 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, Rohra appeared by video in Cole County court. He plead not guilty to the charges and said he will hire a private lawyer.

The court denied Rohra bond saying he is considered a danger to the community. Rohra requested a bond study and will have another bond hearing May 16.

Police said Rohra told officers he brought a gun in the bag to show Gov. Mike Parson. Officers told Rohra he couldn't bring the weapon into the building and asked him to return to his vehicle, according to court documents.

Police said officers later discovered Rohra is a convicted felon, which prevents him from possessing firearms. Rohra reportedly agreed to let police officers search his vehicle parked in the 200 block of Broadway Street.

Police said officers found a pistol, two boxes of ammunition, a pair of rifle magazines loaded with bullets, and a military-style bowie knife.

Rohra has known mental health issues and criminal history, according to court documents.

Rohra is scheduled to get arraigned at the Cole County Courthouse on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. He was booked into the Cole County Jail without bond.