Scott McGann, the man indicted for carrying a fake bomb into LaGuardia Airport earlier this month, has been deemed unfit to stand trial, and has been ordered remanded to a New York State psychiatric facility.
Following a report by two court-appointed psychologists from Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn – who determined that McGann lacked the capacity to understand the proceedings against him or assist in his own defense – he was ordered to be turned over to the New York State Commissioner of Mental Health for a period of one year or until he regains competency. At the end of one year, the state can seek additional retention if deemed necessary, according to District Attorney Richard A. Brown.
“The defendant is clearly a very troubled young man,” said Brown. “Under the circumstances, the court’s decision is the right one for all concerned.”
McGann’s attorney also concurred with the report’s findings, noted Brown.
On Saturday, August 1, McGann, who was holding a valid plane ticket to Chicago with connecting flights leading to California, was confronted by Port Authority officers after reports surfaced of a suspicious passenger. He allegedly remained silent as he was questioned, then repeatedly hit a switch. The officers noticed wires coming from a bag in his possession and separated the two.
When officers inspected the contents of the bag, they found electronics and batteries but no explosives. The airport was evacuated for safety around 5:30 a.m. and travelers were not allowed back in until nearly four hours later.
Nearly a week later, he was indicted on charges of placing a false bomb in a mass transportation facility and making a terrorist threat.
McGann, according to reports, may face up to seven years in prison if found guilty.
