Suspect in White House breach declared unfit for trial, for now

The man accused of running into the White House last month after scaling a fence and evading Secret Service agents has been found “presently not competent” to stand trial, according to a preliminary evaluation.

But U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer said Tuesday she had ordered a more in-depth competency examination within 30 days for Omar Gonzalez, 42.

“It is in the interest of justice that we ascertain Mr. Gonzalez’s competency before any prosecution moves forward,” she said.

Gonzalez, an Iraq war veteran, was arrested Sept. 19 after running through an unlocked White House door and telling security agents he wanted to warn the president that “the atmosphere was collapsing.”

The security breach was part of a string of embarrassing incidents for the Secret Service that led to the resignation of its director, Julia A. Pierson.

Defense attorneys said at a hearing Tuesday that they welcomed the more in-depth examination because they hoped it would prove Gonzalez is competent.

“There is no question from my perspective that he understands the case and can assist in his own defense,” said David Bos, Gonzalez’s attorney.

Bos had filed an objection to the earlier preliminary screening and complained that his client also appeared to have been examined another time in September, before Gonzalez had been charged.

“We have a great concern that there is screening being ordered by an authority that we are not aware of,” he said.

One question that hovered over the proceedings was whether Gonzalez could be screened within the 30-day period required by law. Judge Collyer cited past cases in which defendants have waited for months because of a lack of facilities and constrained budgets.

Collyer said Gonzalez should be screened quickly, admonishing prosecutors not to let his case linger in the system.

“Mr. Gonzalez himself has served his country very well and deserves, for his service, our respect,” she said. “I don’t want him hanging around a D.C. jail for a year, waiting.”

Collyer scheduled the next hearing for early December.

Gonzalez faces six counts, including two federal charges of assaulting officers and municipal charges related to possession of weapons and ammunition.

He waived his right to a detention hearing and remains in federal custody.

matt.hansen2@latimes.com