Scientist in NYC says she's not against America

NEW YORK — A U.S.-trained Pakistani scientist accused of helping al-Qaida has repeatedly interrupted her competency hearing to declare her innocence and insist she's not anti-American.

The outbursts came during a daylong hearing in federal court in Manhattan to decide whether 37-year-old Aafia Siddiqui (ah-FEE'-uh see-DEE'-kee) is competent to stand trial.

She is charged with attempted murder and assault. The U.S. government says she grabbed a gun and fired at U.S. soldiers and FBI agents in Afghanistan last summer. She shouted in court Monday that she did not shoot anyone.

She also said she's not really against America and never was.

The outbursts came as psychologists testified whether she is fit for an October trial. The judge said he'll decide that later.