Attempted bombing suspect Jerry Drake Varnell is "competent and able to assist properly in his defense," his attorney wrote in a court document filed Wednesday.

Last week, Varnell's attorney asked an Oklahoma City federal judge for a hearing to determine if he is mentally competent. The defense attorney requested all proceedings be stayed until it can be determined whether Varnell is competent for a trial.

In Wednesday's filing, the defense attorney, Terri Coulter, advised the judge that an independent psychologist has already evaluated Varnell and found him competent.

"When counsel filed the motion, it was unclear whether Mr. Varnell was suffering from a mental disease or defect that rendered him mentally incompetent to the extent that he was unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense," Coulter wrote.