Loughner's mental state has been a major road block to his prosecution. (Courtesy Wikimedia/ USMS)

Loughner will be able to enter his plea because mental health officials deemed him competent enough to understand the gravity of the charges against him. According to court records, two medical experts previously agreed Loughner suffered from schizophrenia. Since his arrest, Loughner has sometimes recieved treatment and medication at a federal prison hospital.

Entering a plea would end more than a year-and-a-half of psychiatric evaluations and legal wranglings over Loughner's mental fitness.

Many victims are expected to attend the hearing in U.S. District Court in downtown Tuscon, not far from where the shooting occured. 

Read the story at the Los Angeles Times.

Follow Neon Tommy's coverage of the Loughner shooting.

Reach Executive Producer Dawn Megli here.