Chaotic scene as suspect being sentenced for violent crimes lunges at judge, leaping over bench to repeatedly strike her.
A three-time felon violently attacked a female district court judge during a sentencing hearing, shocking video out of Clark County, Nevada, shows.
The incident unfolded Wednesday during the sentencing of 30-year-old Deobra Redden, as Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus informed him she would not be granting his request for probation.
Image credit: TMZ
“I think it’s time he get a taste of something else,” Holthus says, adding, “Because I just can’t with that history.”
At this point, Redden is heard saying, “Nah, fuck that bitch,” before he lunges at Judge Holthus leaping over the bench to repeatedly strike her as a bailiff and others try to intervene.
The harrowing incident lasted several minutes, throughout which various members of the court were heard frantically yelling and asking if the judge was OK, after which an emergency alarm was triggered.
🚨#UPDATE: Here is the full video of the man jumping over and attacking a Clark County judge after the judge denied his probation pic.twitter.com/iYl6rE9oDh
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 3, 2024
“Holthus was eventually able to stand after a few minutes, and officers escorted her out of the courtroom before ordering all other defendants out,” reports KSNV.
During the altercation, Judge Holthus sustained a minor head injury and a marshal was also injured.
Before the assault, prosecutors were pleading for Judge Holthus to send Redden to prison due to a history of violent crimes, with KSNV noting, “Past charges include home invasion, domestic violence and battery on a protected person.”
Redden was also charged with “[threatening] to bust the kneecaps” of another man in April, “resulting in substantial bodily harm,” reports 8NewsNow.
Prior to the assault, Redden reportedly told the judge, “I feel like I shouldn’t be sent to prison, but if it’s appropriate for you, then you gotta do what you gotta do.”
A statement from the court commended those who came to Judge Holthus’ aid:
“We commend the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant. 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.”
