

# Nevada Judge Attacked in Courtroom by Defendant

In a shocking turn of events, **Judge Mary Kay Holthus** was attacked in a **Clark County courtroom** by a defendant she was sentencing, **Deobra Redden**. The incident, which was captured on video, has sparked discussions about courtroom safety and the potential dangers faced by judges (1,2,3,4).

Redden, a three-time felon, was in court for sentencing on a charge of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm. As Holthus was about to deny Redden's probation request, he leapt over the defense table and the judge's bench, landing on top of her (1,2,3,4). 

> "It’s sad that it happens, but it happens," said retired Clark County judge William "Bill" Kephart, reflecting on the incident (6).

The attack resulted in minor injuries to Holthus and more serious injuries to a courtroom marshal who intervened. The marshal was hospitalized but is in stable condition (1,2,3,4). 

> "You can see people in that courtroom care about her and want to make sure that she’s safe," Kephart added (6).

Redden now faces additional charges, including battery on a protected person resulting in substantial harm. His bail remains at $54,000, despite the Clark County District Attorney's office's request that he be held without bail due to his potential danger to the community (2,4). 

> "Thank God the judge is OK... Without them, the situation would have been much worse as this defendant exhibited extremely violent behavior and I'm confident there will be consequences," Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated (4).

This incident has highlighted the potential dangers faced by judges and other court officials. While courtroom attacks are rare, they do occur, and most attacks on judges happen outside the courthouse (3). In 2021, there were over 4,500 threats and potentially dangerous interactions towards judges (3). 

> "Family court judges are more prone to experience threats or violence mainly because they are dealing with highly emotional family matters such as child custody and claims of domestic violence," says James T. Richardson, a professor of sociology and judicial studies at the University of Nevada, Reno (3).

In the wake of this attack, court officials are reviewing protocols to ensure the safety of the judiciary, the public, and employees (4,5). The incident serves as a stark reminder of the serious stakes inside a courtroom and the need for effective security measures (6).

The consequences of this event could be far-reaching. The incident may lead to increased security measures in courtrooms and a renewed focus on the safety of judges and court staff. It also raises questions about how the legal system deals with potentially violent defendants and the balance between ensuring justice and maintaining safety (1,2,3,4,5,6).

<h1>Nevada Judge Attacked in Courtroom by Defendant</h1>
In a shocking turn of events, Judge Mary Kay Holthus was attacked in a Clark County courtroom by a defendant she was sentencing, Deobra Redden. The incident, which was captured on video, has sparked discussions about courtroom safety and the potential dangers faced by judges (1,2,3,4).
Redden, a three-time felon, was in court for sentencing on a charge of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm. As Holthus was about to deny Redden's probation request, he leapt over the defense table and the judge's bench, landing on top of her (1,2,3,4).
<blockquote>
"It’s sad that it happens, but it happens," said retired Clark County judge William "Bill" Kephart, reflecting on the incident (6).
</blockquote>
The attack resulted in minor injuries to Holthus and more serious injuries to a courtroom marshal who intervened. The marshal was hospitalized but is in stable condition (1,2,3,4).
<blockquote>
"You can see people in that courtroom care about her and want to make sure that she’s safe," Kephart added (6).
</blockquote>
Redden now faces additional charges, including battery on a protected person resulting in substantial harm. His bail remains at $54,000, despite the Clark County District Attorney's office's request that he be held without bail due to his potential danger to the community (2,4).
<blockquote>
"Thank God the judge is OK... Without them, the situation would have been much worse as this defendant exhibited extremely violent behavior and I'm confident there will be consequences," Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated (4).
</blockquote>
This incident has highlighted the potential dangers faced by judges and other court officials. While courtroom attacks are rare, they do occur, and most attacks on judges happen outside the courthouse (3). In 2021, there were over 4,500 threats and potentially dangerous interactions towards judges (3).
<blockquote>
"Family court judges are more prone to experience threats or violence mainly because they are dealing with highly emotional family matters such as child custody and claims of domestic violence," says James T. Richardson, a professor of sociology and judicial studies at the University of Nevada, Reno (3).
</blockquote>
In the wake of this attack, court officials are reviewing protocols to ensure the safety of the judiciary, the public, and employees (4,5). The incident serves as a stark reminder of the serious stakes inside a courtroom and the need for effective security measures (6).
The consequences of this event could be far-reaching. The incident may lead to increased security measures in courtrooms and a renewed focus on the safety of judges and court staff. It also raises questions about how the legal system deals with potentially violent defendants and the balance between ensuring justice and maintaining safety (1,2,3,4,5,6).

CBS News

Defendant leaps at Nevada judge in court, sparking brawl caught on video

A recent attack on a Las Vegas judge is very disturbing. But such cases are uncommon

NewsNation

Man who attacked Las Vegas judge skips court, could get bail

Retired Las Vegas judge says courtroom attacks are not far-fetched

Telegraph

Watch: Man launches flying attack on judge during sentencing

Fox News

Video shows Nevada man leap and attack Clark County judge after being denied probation

Deobra Redden

Judge Mary Kay Holthus

Clark County Court

Courtroom Safety

Legal System

Deobra Redden, a defendant in a felony battery case, attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus in a Clark County courtroom, leading to additional charges and a review of court safety protocols.

Nevada Judge Attacked in Courtroom by Defendant

Newsletter

Stay Connected