Report: Federal court officials seek to move trial of Arizona shooting suspect

Federal court authorities will seek to move the trial of the man accused of trying to kill Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) from Arizona to California, according to a news report.

Jared Loughner, 22, has been charged with five federal counts in Arizona, but The Washington Post, quoting federal law enforcement authorities, reports that court authorities plan to move the proceedings to San Diego because of extensive pretrial publicity and the sensitivity of the case in Arizona.

The Jan. 8 attack killed six, including John Roll, Arizona’s chief federal judge; 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green; and Gabriel Zimmerman, a member of Giffords’s staff. Thirteen others were wounded.

The Post reported that San Diego would likely get the case in part because it’s one of the closest judicial districts to Arizona.

The Department of Justice opposes any change in venue and plans to fight it, a spokeswoman told The Hill.

“Federal law dictates these offenses be tried in the District,” Jessica Smith said. “The Justice Dept is moving forward in a manner consistent with the law, and will oppose any change of venue motions.”

This post was updated at 1:21 p.m. based on an update in The Washington Post’s original story.