A Las Vegas man leaped over a bench to attack a judge who denied him probation.
Footage posted online showed Deobra Redden, 30, swearing and jumping over Judge Mary Kay Holthus’s, 62, desk to attack her. It took several security guards to restrain Redden, and a protracted struggle occurred.
DC SNAP INCREASE: CITY WILL IMPLEMENT INCREASED PAYMENTS AFTER BOWSER’S SECOND-GUESSING
Redden’s lawyer had asked Holthus to sentence him to probation, which she appeared unlikely to do.
“I appreciate that, but I think it’s time he get a taste of something else,” she replied, at which point Redden began cursing at her and launched his attack.
VIDEO: Judge Mary Kay Holthus was attacked inside her own courtroom Wednesday during a sentencing hearing. pic.twitter.com/ARzXOHJ8er
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) January 3, 2024
Holthus sustained minor injuries, and her condition is being monitored, according to a statement from the Eighth Judicial District Court obtained by the New York Times. A court marshal was sent to the hospital with injuries sustained in the attack as well.
“We commend the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant,” the court said. “The court remains committed to a safe and secure courthouse and courtrooms. We are reviewing all our protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public and our employees.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Eighth Judicial District Court for comment.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Redden was being sentenced for attempted battery. Due to the assault, he will be back in court for additional felony battery charges on Thursday.
Attacks against judges in court are exceedingly rare, and harsh punishments are given to offenders. A man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for assaulting a security guard in Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse in Las Vegas in 2022, the New York Times reported.
