Loughner remanded over Arizona shooting

By Richard McGregor in Washington

Published: January 10 2011 23:32 | Last updated: January 10 2011 23:32

Artist’s sketch of Jared Lee Loughner in court

Jared Lee Loughner, the 22-year-old charged with the attempted assassination of a Democratic congresswoman, has appeared in court for the first time in Tucson.

Mr Loughner, whose hands were manacled together, spoke in a clear and strong voice during the 17-minute hearing when asked by the judge whether he understood the charges, according to reports from inside the courthouse. He made no statement about the charges.

Mr Loughner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted assassination of a member of Congress, and two other counts of attempted murder.

Earlier on Monday, President Barack Obama led a minute’s silence at the White House to honour the six dead, including John Roll, a federal judge, and 14 wounded, including Representative Gabrielle Giffords, from Saturday’s shooting spree outside a supermarket in Arizona.

The initial charges against Mr Loughner relate to the attacks on federal officials. Prosecutors in court said state charges would also be brought.

Mr Loughner was represented by Judy Clarke, a public defender who has also appeared for Ted Kaczynski, the so-called Unabomber, and Zacarias Moussaoui, an al-Qaeda member. Mr Loughner was remanded in custody until a further hearing on January 24.

The White House ceremony was mirrored on the steps of the Capitol, where congressional workers gathered to show respect for the victims of the shooting.

Speaking at a press conference with Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, Mr Obama declined to respond directly to questions about whether he would travel to Arizona.

“Right now, the main thing we’re doing is to offer our thoughts and prayers to those who’ve been impacted, making sure that we’re joining together and pulling together as a country,” he said.

Investigators said they had discovered evidence that Mr Loughner planned the attack on Ms Giffords. At his home, they found an envelope with the phrases “I planned ahead” and “My assassination”, along with the name “Giffords” and what appeared to be his signature.

Doctors treating Ms Giffords said she remained in a critical but stable condition. Half of her skull has been removed to prevent damage to her brain from swelling caused by the wound.

They said she continues to respond to simple commands. “At this stage in the game, no change is good, and we have no change,” said Dr Michael Lemole, of the University of Arizona’s Medical Center.