TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - Some of the survivors of the January 8 mass shooting are reacting to news of suspect Jared Loughner's competency hearing Wednesday.
A federal court ruled that Loughner is mentally incompetent to stand trial at this point, meaning he does not have a rational understanding of the court proceedings, and is not able to assist his lawyers in his own defense.
"I would like justice to be done," said Mary Reed, who took three bullets during the shooting while shielding her daughter. Reed attended the hearing, and said no matter what happens, she has trust in the system. "I think the (mental) evaluation was done by two professionals who both agreed, and I think the court did the right thing."
Ken Dorushka is also healing from his wounds after shielding his wife from bullets. He did not attend the hearing, but did speak about his reaction afterward.
"Initially, I'd have to say I was disappointed," Dorushka said. "I was hoping that the wheels of justice would start moving forward, but I'm sure the powers-that-be who did these medical evaluations are well-trained in this area."
Suzie Hileman, who also survived the tragedy, said she will wait as long as it takes to see justice done.
"I don't feel that justice delayed is justice denied, by any means," she said. "I want this to take the course that it needs to take so that all the parties are satisfied."
Ron Barber, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' district director, offered a written statement, saying in part, "I hope that the legal proceedings will move forward as quickly as possible, while still ensuring due process to the defendant. The sooner this can be brought to a conclusion, the better it will be for all of us who are trying to heal."
Loughner's next court hearing is set for September 21. The judge is giving four months to see if Loughner can eventually be brought to a state of mental competency to stand trial.
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