PHOENIX (AP) — The suspect in the Arizona shooting rampage that wounded U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been removed from a court hearing after an outburst during the proceedings.
U.S. District Judge Larry Burns had Jared Lee Loughner escorted from the courtroom after Loughner lowered his head and mumbled something loudly, his head inches from the table in front of him. Loughner’s words were inaudible to many in the courtroom.
The outburst occurred at a competency hearing where Burns was expected to determine whether Loughner was mentally fit to stand trial.
Burns says he might allow Loughner back in “if he composes himself.”