An Orange Park man accused of terrorism is still incompetent to go to trial, but government psychiatrists are cautiously optimistic that Joshua Ryne Goldberg's mental state can be restored so the case can move forward.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James Klindt originally found Golberg incompetent last year and sent him to a mental institution. Klindt's ruling Wednesday was the same and read from a progress report prepared by Goldberg's doctors saying he was still suffering from autism and depression and would not be able to assist in his own defense at trial.

But those same doctors said the 21-year-old had made progress since arriving at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, N.C., and given more time there was a good chance he could be restored to competency.

At one point Goldberg was suicidal, but doctors no longer believe he is a threat to harm himself, Klindt said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Frein and defense attorney Paul Shorstein both said Goldberg should remain at the Federal Medical Center, and Klindt agreed.

Klindt said he wanted another status report on Goldberg by Oct. 15.

Goldberg participated for the hearing via video conferencing from the medical center in a prison uniform and shackles. He appeared to have gained weight and had shoulder-length hair that did not appear to have been washed in a long time. He repeatedly fidgeted and at times put his head on the table.

Goldberg did not speak during the hearing, although Klindt recessed the hearing so Shorstein could speak with his client in private.

Authorities say Goldberg conspired to have a pressure-cooker bomb detonated at a 9 /11 memorial event in Kansas City, Mo., in September. He is charged with distributing information related to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction.

No bomb was ever made. An affidavit filed in the case said an FBI informer was in contact with Goldberg on Twitter and was given instructions to fill a pressure cooker with nails, metal and other items dipped in rat poison.

The FBI informer posed as a college student living about an hour away from Kansas City who expressed an interest in making a bomb, according to the affidavit.

Goldberg told investigators he provided the information but hoped the person would kill himself trying to make it, according to the affidavit. He said if the person created the bomb, he would have alerted authorities before the attack and would be a hero.

The criminal complaint against Goldberg said he had many different personalities online, at different times claiming to be an Australian militant who'd joined the Islamic State, a Jewish attorney, a news reporter, a feminist and a free-speech advocate.

Larry Hannan: (904) 359-4470