A convicted criminal, Deobra Delone Redden, physically assaulted Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a sentencing hearing in Las Vegas after she denied him bail.
The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday, captured in a video uploaded by Reuters. Redden abruptly jumped from his position, leaping onto the judge’s bench, as she was delivering a sentence. Witnesses reported that a courtroom marshal suffered injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and a cut on his forehead, while attempting to remove the defendant.
In response, the Las Vegas district court issued a statement praising the heroic actions of court staff, law enforcement, and others involved in subduing the defendant. The court emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, reviewing protocols to ensure the protection of the judiciary, the public, and employees.
Judge Holthus, who also sustained injuries during the assault, is currently under observation for her condition. The Nevada attorney general’s office expressed well wishes for Judge Holthus and the injured marshal, wishing them a swift recovery.
Following the incident, Redden faced additional felony charges, including violence against a protected person, encompassing the judge and court staff. Redden was initially being sentenced for aggravated battery with substantial bodily harm when he launched the attack. The court had previously deemed him fit to stand trial after a mental evaluation.
In November, Redden pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted battery resulting in significant physical harm. State records indicate Redden’s history of serving time in Nevada prisons for a conviction related to domestic battery.
Despite the judge’s determination to ensure his imprisonment and the efforts of the court marshal to restrain him, Redden defiantly surged forward during the courtroom attack. The court is now evaluating security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.