HOUSTON, TEXAS – After a Nevada judge was attacked, concerns about courtroom safety have been raised. The attacker, who will return to court on Tuesday, now faces additional charges. The judge suffered minor injuries, and a courtroom marshal was hospitalized with a head gash and dislocated shoulder due to the attack. In response to this incident, judges in Harris County are now addressing safety concerns.
Harris County Justice of the Peace Judge Joe Stephens expressed his wariness given the death of Assistant Chief Deputy Clint Greenwood in 2017. Greenwood was shot and killed outside the Baytown Courthouse Annex, reportedly due to a grudge over a court case. The incident has prompted the implementation of bulletproof glass windows and benches in courtrooms.
The attack in Las Vegas, where a judge was assaulted by a defendant, serves as another example of the potential dangers judges face. Judge Wanda Adams recalled a bomb threat made to her office, emphasizing the need to tighten courtroom safety measures. The focus is on ensuring the safety of judges and court personnel as they make life-changing decisions for individuals.
In an effort to increase security, judges are advocating for the passage of a bill that would make metal detectors mandatory in courthouses. Additionally, they are taking steps to protect their private information in light of past incidents, such as the targeting of a federal judge’s family in New Jersey.
Even as these judges work toward securing more safety measures, another level of protection both say they practice, giving respect in hopes of getting it in return. They emphasize the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect in the courtroom.
The assailant, who initially pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of Attempted Battery, now faces an additional 13 counts, including Intimidation of a Public Official and Battery on a Protected Person. After the recent attack, the importance of prioritizing courtroom safety has become even more apparent.