LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – A man who was denied probation during his sentencing in a Nevada courthouse on Wednesday launched a violent attack on the judge in a shocking incident captured on video.
Deobra Redden, 30, appeared in court in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning for a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to attempted violence with significant bodily damage, according to a spokesman for the Eighth Judicial District Court. In the video, Redden can be seen jumping over a courtroom bench onto Judge Mary Kay Holthus, causing chaos in the courtroom.
The judge, 62, was injured, and a court marshal was also injured and taken to a hospital, where he was believed to be in stable condition, according to the court spokeswoman. The incident led to three men attempting to overpower Redden while striking him repeatedly for attacking the judge.
Redden, who has a criminal background and had previously served time in jail, was refused probation by Judge Holthus just before he launched the attack. The court commended the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant, and stated that they are reviewing all their protocols to protect the judiciary, the public, and their employees.
The Police Department said in a statement that two victims were transferred to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and that the suspect was in custody. In addition, the article highlighted the fact that courthouses are typically secured, but in certain cases, security officers have also been targeted.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential security threats faced in courthouses and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of judges, court personnel, and visitors.