Bastille Day 'gunman' in court

French police overpowered and arrested the suspected gunman

PARIS, France -- The man who is alleged to have attempted to shoot President Jacques Chirac has appeared in court for the first time since being committed to a psychiatric hospital.

Maxime Brunerie, 25, who has been linked to right-wing and neo-Nazi groups, was brought from the hospital to face a judge on Friday.

Brunerie is alleged to have fired at Chirac with a .22-caliber rifle during a Bastille Day parade on July 14 on the Champs-Elysees, Paris.

A spectator grappled with the man before police arrived and overwhelmed him.

Nobody was injured in the incident and the parade continued without further interruption.

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Brunerie was taken to the Palace of Justice on Friday under a heavy police escort for a meeting with Investigating Judge Jean-Baptiste Parlos.

He has been put under formal investigation, which will lead to a psychological evaluation.

Brunerie is alleged to have told police he hated Chirac and wanted to kill him "to save France."