Jared Lee Loughner, the man suspected of shooting 20 people Saturday, including a U.S congresswoman, made his first appearance in federal district court here Monday afternoon but said nothing that would reveal his possible motives.
In a brief hearing before Magistrate Judge Lawrence O. Anderson, the 22-year-old Mr. Loughner, accompanied by federal public defender Judy Clarke, spoke clearly and deliberately when addressed by the judge.
With a closely shaved head, Mr. Loughner entered the courtroom shackled at the waist wearing a dark beige jail jumpsuit. A U.S. Marshal stood nearby the defendant during the roughly 15 minute hearing.
Mr. Loughner said he was unable to afford an attorney and the judge appointed two federal public defenders to represent him. Both attorneys, Ms. Clarke and Mark Fleming, are based in California. Frequently, Ms. Clarke placed a hand on Mr. Loughner's left shoulder to appear to steady or comfort him. But he remained composed.
The defendant also waived his right to a detention hearing and the judge declared him a 'danger to the community' and ordered him to be held in custody indefinitely.
Mr. Loughner was subdued by attendees of a constituent event held Saturday by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the apparent target of the shooter, at a Tucson Safeway supermarket. Ms. Giffords was shot in the head but doctors have said she is expected to survive. Six people died and 13 others, in addition to Ms. Giffords, were wounded.
Judge Lawrence ordered a preliminary hearing for Jan. 24 and it's likely that this will be the last federal judge from Arizona to preside over a legal hearing for Mr. Loughner. The defense team indicated it might file a motion to have the entire case reassigned to a U.S. Attorney office outside the state.
Earlier Monday, President Barack Obama led the U.S. in a moment of silence, gathering with White House staff on the South Lawn to honor the victims of the shooting.
About 300 members of the White House staff, including Mr. Obama's top aides, were gathered on either side of the South Lawn.
The moment was also observed on Capitol Hill, where congressional staff members gathered on the steps of the East Front of the Capitol Building, with heads bowed and hands clasped in front of them. Most lawmakers were home in their districts.
Ms. Giffords continues to respond to simple commands and shows no evidence of additional brain swelling, hopeful signs, doctors said Monday.
Doctors at the University Medical Center in Tucson said seven other victims were also doing better. Five patients remained in serious condition, while two were characterized as in good condition. Two other patients have been released.
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