Man who forced evacuations around Capitol with bomb threat diagnosed with bipolar disorder

Floyd Ray Roseberry, who caused an evacuation on Capitol Hill last week after calling in a bomb threat, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

The diagnosis was disclosed by court-appointed psychologist Teresa Grant on Wednesday following what she called a “very productive conversation” with Roseberry, The Washington Post reports.

On Aug. 19, Roseberry, from North Carolina, parked a pickup truck near the Capitol and claimed to have a bomb inside. After a few hours of standoff between police, he surrendered to authorities.

Capitol Police later said that no explosions were found inside the vehicle, though “possible bomb making materials” were discovered.

Roseberry was charged in court last week with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted use of an explosive device. He faces up to a maximum sentence of life in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.

During the virtual hearing last week, Roseberry told Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui that his memory “isn’t that well” and that his wife has power of attorney over his medical care. He also told the judge that he had not taken his “mind medicine” for the past few days.

Roseberry’s relatives said in interviews that he had a history of mental health issues and violent behavior. One had reportedly warned local authorities of his plans of going to D.C.

As the Post reports, Faruqui on Wednesday agreed to a 30-day delay to see if new medications improved Roseberry’s condition. Grant, the court-appointed psychologist, said Roseberry was “amenable to treatment.”

“I appreciate that you want to get help,” Faruqui said to Roseberry before the hearing was closed. “The greatest challenge is asking for help.”