Adams murder bid: Convicted loyalist killer charged

Story Highlights

NEW: Up to eight devices defused at Northern Ireland's parliament
• Pro-British convicted killer Michael Stone arrested after breaching security
• Protest takes place as talks held on restoring power-sharing government

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BELFAST, Northern Ireland (CNN) -- Convicted loyalist killer Michael Stone has been charged with attempting to murder five people including Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Friday.

Stone, who was tackled by security officers at the entrance to Stormont Parliamentary Building, was also charged at Belfast Magistrates Court on Saturday with possession of weapons for terrorist purposes, including nail bombs and an ax.

Police charged Stone with attempted murder after interrogating him overnight. He was ordered to be detained without bail until his next scheduled court appearance on December 22.

The Press Association reported that before being led from court Stone shouted out: "No sell-out. No power-sharing with the Sinners, they are war criminals. Ulster is not for sale, no surrender."

Police said Friday that up to eight devices were discovered and defused at Stormont, hours after Stone was detained at the building.

Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Hugh Orde told a news conferences they were "viable" devices and that their potential for causing damage, death and injury was being assessed. (Watch as man breaches security at Stormont Video)

"They are fairly amateurish in design, that does not make them any less dangerous," he added.

Stone was arrested over what the chief constable branded "a sad publicity act by a very sad individual."

The incident took place as talks were being held -- and later abandoned -- on renewing the currently suspended self-rule government for Northern Ireland in which pro-British and pro-Irish opponents would share power.

In the past, Stone has served a prison term for opening fire on mourners at an IRA funeral in 1988, killing three people. (Profile)

Stone is staunchly opposed to such a power-sharing government and supports British rule in Northern Ireland.

Friday was a deadline imposed by London for hard-line Protestant leader Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, deputy leader of Sinn Fein, the largest Catholic party, to be nominated to serve in the top two power-sharing posts.

The event would have been purely symbolic, because the full administration would not be given powers until March.

Journalist Peter Taggart contributed to this report.

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