Weston

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The man accused of ambushing and killing two Capitol Hill police officers is leaning toward an insanity defense, according to his lawyer.

Russell Eugene Weston Jr.'s arraignment was postponed Thursday so he can be evaluated by a psychiatrist to determine if he understands the charges against him and is competent to stand trial.

The request for the examination came from Weston's lawyers.

"It indicates there are significant questions about his psychiatric condition," Weston's court-appointed lawyer, Barrett Boss, told reporters after a brief hearing.

Boss would not elaborate on Weston's physical or mental status.

Weston will be evaluated by Dr. Sally Johnson, the Federal Bureau of Prisons psychiatrist who also evaluated convicted Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski.

At Thursday's court appearance, Weston made his second public appearance since the July 24 shooting that killed Officer Jacob J. Chesnut and Special Agent John M. Gibson. A female tourist was injured in the sudden attack.

Weston was shot several times by police after he stormed a security checkpoint inside the Capitol building.

Weston remains in a wheelchair. He wore a cast on his left leg and a large surgical device on his upper right arm that secures pins to his splintered arm.

He was clad in a bright red prison jumpsuit. He was unshaven and his hair was unkempt.

Weston talked at length with his lawyers before the hearing began. He appeared more alert and engaged than he did at his last court appearance September 23.

A status hearing is scheduled for November 9. Defense lawyers said they hope to have the results of Weston's psychiatric evaluation by then.