Man accused in Denver transit guard killing appears in court

Denver's new District Attorney Beth McCann speaks with reporters following a hearing for homicide suspect Joshua Cummings, accused of killing a Denver transit guard days earlier at point-blank range, at court in Denver, Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) (The Associated Press)

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A makeshift memorial put up by Denver Police is affixed to a pole early Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, near the scene where a contract transit security officer was shot and killed late Tuesday, Jan. 31 in Denver. Police have not released any details about the shooting, which took place by the city's main transit hub, Union Station. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

Denver's new District Attorney Beth McCann speaks with reporters following a hearing for homicide suspect Joshua A. Cummings, accused of killing a Denver transit guard days earlier at point-blank range, at court in Denver, Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) (The Associated Press)

DENVER – A 37-year-old man accused of killing a Denver transit guard appeared briefly in court Friday under heavy security.

Joshua Cummings wore a red jail jumpsuit and had his arms and legs shackled as he faced Judge Martin Egelhoff.

He answered "Yes sir" when the judge asked him if he understood his rights. He struggled a bit to sign a document on an electronic tablet because of the restraints.

Before he was led out of the courtroom he asked his lawyer for help getting a Quran, saying jail officials had been "dragging their feet."

When asked after the hearing for a motive, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said the shooting is still being investigated.

Scott Von Lanken, of Loveland, was shot Tuesday night near Union Station.