U.S. District Judge Thomas Rogers III said in his ruling that an evaluation is needed within 45 days to determine if Ryan Schallenberger, 18, is suffering from a mental disorder that would prevent him from being able to understand the potential punishmenthe faces and help in his own defense.

The teen's attorney said he would ask the judge to reconsider the order. Lawyer Michael Meetze declined to comment further.

The ruling came a day after federal prosecutors argued the straight-A Chesterfield High School senior needed an evaluation. A federal agent testified that Schallenberger made statements to police that he wanted to die, go to heaven and kill Jesus.

Prosecutors also played a 911 tape of the teen's mother calling police after he smashed his head into a wall a few days before his arrest.

"The basis for our motion was the behavior and conduct of the defendant and of course the seriousness of the charges," saidKevin McDonald, acting U.S. attorney for South Carolina. Schallenberger was arrested April 19.

He faces several state and federal charges, including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. That charge carries a possible life sentence if he is convicted.