Federal Judge Larry A. Burns ruled on Wednesday that Jared L. Loughner was not mentally competent to stand trial for the January shooting of Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords which killed 6 and left 13 people injured.
Under the judges orders Mr. Loughner will be sent to a federal psychiatric facility until September 21 when a new hearing will be scheduled to determine of Jared understands the 49 federal charges against him and to determine if he can help assist in his own defense.
If Loughner is deemed unfit to stand trial at that time he will be sent back for more periodic evaluations to determine his competency to stand trial. If Loughner is never found competent he could remain in doctors care for the rest of his life.
Minutes after Loughner was dragged from the court room while kicking and screaming Judge Burns issued the following statement for his decision:
“At the present time, Mr. Loughner does not have a rational understanding of these proceedings.”
Loughner was eventually returned to the court room and when asked if he wished to stay he instead opted to watch the proceedings from an adjoining room on a provided television.
Judge Burns’ ruling came after two experts examined Loughner and determined he was mentally incompetent to stand trial, suffering from schizophrenia, delusions and irrational thoughts.
