Man in his 30s charged with attempted injury
Riot rages for 3 minutes after judge says “punishment is necessary”
A riot broke out in a courtroom in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, when a defendant attacked a judge who denied his request for probation.
According to the New York Times (NYT), a sentencing hearing was held for Deobra Reden (30, photo), who was indicted on charges of attempted injury, at Clark County District Court in Las Vegas around 11 a.m. on the 3rd. Leden’s lawyer asked Judge Mary Kay Holthus (62), a 27-year judge, to sentence Leden to probation due to Leden’s psychiatric treatment. But Judge Holsus referenced his criminal history and said: “I can’t deal with that. He did not accept it, saying, “I think it’s time for him to taste something else (punishment).”
Leden was sentenced to 1 year and 7 months in prison for attempted theft in 2015, and also served time in 2021 for domestic violence. Judge Holsus denied the request for a suspended sentence, noting that he had committed three felonies.
It is said that as soon as the judge finished speaking, Leden rushed towards him, swearing. He jumped up to the podium and attacked the judge, knocking him to the floor. Lawyers, security guards, and the judge’s clerk immediately pulled Leden away, but he was unable to control his excitement and attacked Judge Holsus, who fell to the ground. Leden also swung his fist at the guard who caught him.
The riot that lasted for about three minutes was captured on a camera installed in the courtroom. Judge Holsus is said to be receiving treatment for minor head injuries suffered in the assault. The security guard was also injured and was taken to a nearby hospital.
The Clark County District Court issued a statement saying, “We are fortunate that Judge Holsus is safe. “We are grateful for the heroic actions of those who jumped in to help him (including security guards and the judge’s clerk),” he said, adding, “We will take all necessary measures to protect the judiciary, the public, and our staff.” Regarding the defendant, he expressed regret, saying, “He showed extremely violent behavior,” and “If there had been no security guards, the situation would have been much worse.”
According to local police, this attack is currently understood to be an accidental act by Reden. Leden was additionally charged with causing bodily harm. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a man was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison for assaulting a security guard in federal court in Las Vegas last year.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.