LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – In a series of unsettling incidents, the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas has witnessed three separate attacks since the beginning of the year. One of these incidents gained national attention when a 31-year-old man, Deobra Redden, launched a dramatic attack on a judge during a courtroom hearing. The alarming frequency of these incidents has raised concerns about security within the courthouse.
According to District Court Chief Judge Jerry Wiese, these three incidents in such a short period of time are highly unusual, as the court typically does not experience such incidents frequently. He speculated that Redden’s viral attack may have emboldened others to act out in courtrooms. In response to the escalating security concerns, the District Court and Clark County are planning to hire more marshals to strengthen the protection of judges and ensure safety in courtrooms. The aim is to assign two marshals to every “high-risk” courtroom handling criminal cases or Family Court matters.
Currently, the court has a budget for 111 marshals, but spokesperson Mary Ann Price stated that ideally, they would add 25 more positions. However, the funding for these additional positions may not be available until July. In the meantime, judges have been able to request extra assistance from private security officers contracted through Allied Universal. These officers do not go through the same training as marshals but serve as supplementary security personnel.
To address the issue of recruitment and retention, Court officials are exploring challenges associated with the pay and benefits offered to potential marshals. The base pay for marshals is significantly below the median annual household income for the Las Vegas Valley, making it difficult to attract suitable candidates. Despite the obstacles, court authorities are determined to enhance security measures. They have sought the assistance of Clark County’s real property management office to review courtroom designs for potential security risks. Additionally, $1.7 million has been allocated to upgrade security software and hardware at the courthouse, including equipment to improve the quality of security footage.
In January, the attack involving Deobra Redden shocked the nation as he lunged at District Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a hearing. Surveillance footage captured a marshal attempting to detain Redden as he launched himself over a defense table, resulting in the marshal tripping and injuring himself while trying to apprehend Redden. Redden is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and battery, and has pled not guilty by reason of insanity.
In a separate incident, a man identified as Glenn Cromwell was caught on video punching another man outside a court hearing. The victim, Yousuf Azami, was at the courthouse for a preliminary hearing and had been charged with sexually assaulting a minor. Azami was hospitalized as a result of the attack, and Cromwell has since been charged with misdemeanor battery.
The third incident involved 18-year-old Dustin Langham, who was recorded punching another inmate during a court session. Langham was in court to plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of battery on an officer. Wiese acknowledges that emotions within the courthouse can run high, but taking steps to increase the number of marshals could act as a deterrent against such violent incidents.
While ideas to standardize security practices across courtrooms have been discussed, changing the law to implement administrative marshals assigned by leadership would be required. However, some judges express concerns about losing the ability to have a marshal present in their chambers for added protection. Any changes to the current system would need careful consideration.
As the Regional Justice Center grapples with these security challenges, officials are committed to ensuring the safety of judges, staff, and individuals in the courthouse. Efforts are underway to strengthen security measures, increase the number of marshals, and review courtroom designs to mitigate risks.