TUCSON, Ariz. — A judge ruled yesterday that Jared Lee Loughner, the man accused of shooting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and 18 others in January, is not competent to stand trial. The ruling came after two health professionals evaluated Loughner’s mental state.
The decision by US District Judge Larry Burns will likely postpone Loughner’s trial by months or years until it is determined he is able to understand the charges against him.
Loughner, 22, has been charged with 49 federal crimes in connection with the shooting.
The ruling came after Loughner was removed from court when he began yelling.
“She died in front of me,” Loughner shouted, according to people present. He fought the officials who removed him from the room.