Mental Exam Ordered For San Francisco Bomb Suspect

A federal magistrate judge on Wednesday ordered a mental health evaluation of a San Francisco social media expert in an explosives case.

Ryan Chamberlain II, 42, was arrested Monday in San Francisco after a three-day manhunt prompted by the discovery of bomb-making materials in his apartment.

Police Chief Greg Suhr described Chamberlain as someone who was in crisis and getting "more desperate by the moment.''

Chamberlain has been charged with one count of possessing an explosive device. He has not entered a plea and is being held without bail.

His attorney, Jodi Linker, declined comment outside court.

Chamberlain appeared in federal court in a red jail jumpsuit and was shackled at the ankles. He is scheduled back in court on Friday to argue for pre-trial release on bail.

The government also is asking the judge to seal an image of the alleged explosive device seized in Chamberlain's apartment. Prosecutors argue that national security and public safety are at risk if the image is released publicly.

Prosecutors fear the image could aid others in the construction of a bomb

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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