Nasar Abdo (credit: KWTX)

WACO (AP) - Opening statements are set to be delivered in the federal trial of a soldier accused of planning to bomb a restaurant frequented by Fort Hood troops.

Pfc. Naser Jason Abdo faces up to life in prison if convicted of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and other charges.

Abdo has been accused of spitting blood on authorities while in custody and had a mask on Monday as a jury was selected in the Waco courtroom.

Abdo is a Muslim soldier who was AWOL from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, when he was arrested last summer at a Killeen motel near Fort Hood. Authorities searched his backpack and motel room, and say they found ingredients for an explosive device. Abdo reportedly said he wanted to avenge the war in Afghanistan.

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