Alleged White House fence jumper deemed competent to stand trial

A man who allegedly jumped over the White House fence and entered the presidential mansion while carrying a knife has been ruled competent to stand trial, The Associated Press reported.

Psychiatrists determined Army veteran Omar Gonzalez is competent for trial. Gonzalez pleaded not guilty to the newest charges against him on Thursday.

The issue of competency has dogged his trial.

{mosads}In October, the judge ordered that he undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation after a preliminary exam found Gonzalez was not fit to stand trial. His lawyer has insisted that he is competent.

Gonzalez’s entrance into the executive mansion triggered questions about to capacity of the Secret Service to protect the president. Those questions ultimately led the agency’s director to resign under congressional pressure.

Another fence jumper followed less than a month after Gonzalez. Dogs downed that man before he was able to leave the White House lawn.