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Judge denies bail to suspected White House shooter

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A federal magistrate denied bail Tuesday for accused White House shooter Robert Pickett.

U.S. District Judge Alan Kay, after hearing arguments from defense attorneys and prosecutors, ordered Pickett held without bond because he poses a risk for flight.

Pickett, 47, is accused of travelling from his home in Evansville, Indiana, and appearing February 7 at the south fence of the White House with a gun. He was shot and wounded by authorities after refusing to put down the weapon.

He faces prosecution on a federal charge of brandishing a loaded .38 caliber revolver at a U.S. Park Police officer who responded to the scene.

In court, authorities acknowledged they have not yet found any of the bullets Pickett allegedly fired.

Kay also ruled Pickett should undergo psychological exams to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Defense attorneys had hoped to conduct the testing with their experts, but the judge ordered a court-appointed psychiatrist and psychologist.

The judge said he would allow defense clinical psychiatrist Lanning Muldauer to testify February 26, when the judge will listen to arguments that Pickett is competent to stand trial.

Pickett, dressed in a yellow prison jumpsuit, attended the hearing but did not speak to the judge. He did consult with his attorney, Gregory Poe. Pickett made his way around on crutches as he recovers from a bullet wound to the knee.

One witness, U.S. Park Police officer Timothy Moser, testified as to the details of the incident, and revealed there is a videotaped interrogation of Pickett after he was taken to the hospital.

Moser says Pickett told questioners from his hospital bed that he did not remember anything about the shooting. Moser said he believed he had "a rational conversation" with Pickett.

Moser said it took about nine minutes from when a Washington, D.C. police officer first confronted Pickett to when officers fired on him and gained control.

During that time, Moser said Pickett twice put the gun in his mouth, once laid it on his chest, brandished it and then pointed the weapon in the direction of the White House.

Moser, answering defense team questions, acknowledged Pickett may have been attempting a "suicide by cop," where police are forced to shoot a despondent suspect. But Moser said that he could not say for sure that was the case with Pickett.

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