Tenn. Guard Recruiter Held In Superiors’ Shooting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee National Guard recruiter accused of shooting three fellow soldiers at an armory north of Memphis was formally charged in federal court on Friday.

U.S. District Magistrate Judge Diane Vescovo told Amos Patton he is charged with committing assaults within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States and carrying a weapon during a federal crime of violence.

Patton told the judge that he could not afford his own lawyer. Vescovo granted his request to appoint a public defender. Vescovo also scheduled a probable cause and detention hearing for Wednesday.

According to a criminal complaint, Patton had been ordered to go to the armory to be relieved of duty because of alleged misconduct. The complaint does not detail the nature of the misconduct.