The man who allegedly shot two UAW local officials outside of a union hall in Chicago was charged with eight counts of attempted murder.
William Cowart, 50, was also charged last week with two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office spokeswoman said. Cowart pleaded not guilty to the 12 charges.
Cowart is alleged to have shot the UAW officials outside of a union hall in June following an argument.
The incident came after the victims -- who identified themselves as Aaron Straker and Jeff Bacon – were re-elected to the local’s bargaining unit earlier in the day.
Local 551 represents workers at Ford’s Chicago assembly plant, which produces the Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus and the Lincoln MKS.
Cowart is next due in court on Aug. 25.
Nick Bunkley contributed to this report.
