A judge in Las Vegas was attacked in the middle of a hearing Wednesday by a defendant who was angry when she learned of her incarceration and suddenly jumped across the stage to attack the judge.
The public record of the trial shows Deobra Redden, a man on trial for attempted assault, insulting Judge Mary Kay Holthus and then storming toward her when he realizes she wants to send him behind bars.
A few moments earlier, his lawyer had requested a suspended sentence.
“I understand, but I think it’s time for him to try something different,” the judge replied, pointing to the defendant’s already extensive criminal record.
According to local television station KSNV, Mr. Redden had previously been convicted of domestic violence and criminal offenses.
Quite annoyed, the defendant then threw himself at the judge and evaded a security officer and court staff who tried to intervene. A scuffle ensued in which he threw several punches before being overpowered by several people.
“Judge Holthus had some injuries and her condition is being monitored medically,” a spokeswoman for the Clark County court in Nevada (western US) told AFP.
An injured agent was “transported to the hospital” and his condition is now “stable,” she said.
After this incident, “we are reviewing all of our protocols and will do everything necessary to protect the judiciary, the public and our employees,” she concluded.