Nine members of a Christian militia being charged with plotting an attack against police officers will remain in a Michigan jail for now.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati issued an order, Thursday, to keep the "Hutaree" members in jail until their trial.

The stay overturns an earlier decision by U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts that the suspects be released on bail because they were not a proven risk to the public.

Members of the Michigan-based militia were arrested in March and are charged with attempted use of weapons of mass destruction, in addition to planning attacks on police.

Prosecutors maintain the suspects -- eight men and one woman -- are dangerous and should remain behind bars, but defense attorneys argue they're clients just used hateful speech.

"We think the defendants pose a danger to the public and to law enforcement in particular. It's my duty to protect the safety of the public," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said.

Several family members were at the courthouse Thursday waiting for the suspects to be released.