Defendant in Long Island Train Massacre to Represent Self at Trial

The man accused of killing six people in a commuter-train massacre was declared competent to stand trial Friday, clearing the way for him to represent himself and interrogate the survivors in court.

“It’s going to be a spectacle,” said lawyer Ron Kuby, who had been representing Colin Ferguson.

The idea of Ferguson questioning victims “is so horrible to imagine . . . it staggers the imagination,” Kuby said.

Saying their client had snapped after years of racial discrimination, Ferguson’s lawyers had argued that he was incompetent to stand trial in the slaughter on the Long Island Rail Road one year ago.

But Nassau County Judge Donald Belfi ruled that Ferguson is competent and can represent himself as he has requested.

However, the judge told Ferguson: “I think you are doing a foolish thing.”

“I believe I could be a formidable opponent to Mr. Peck,” replied Ferguson, referring to prosecutor George Peck. “I believe I can prove my innocence. I believe I can be acquitted.”

Six passengers were killed and 19 others injured on Dec. 7, 1993, by a man who calmly stood up and opened fire as the train approached suburban Garden City. Amid victims’ panic, witnesses said, he reloaded and fired again. Two passengers tackled the gunman when he tried to reload a second time.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Jan. 17.