Judge Stabbed, Officer Shot

[Skwink]

This just happened today in my county. I go to school with the Judge's Son. This was a big thing today, and it was reported that all schools in the county were under lockdown, though we weren't (the alleged shooter did turn up about 30 miles from the scene) CNN Article

SWAT teams in western Washington state were looking for a suspect who fled a courthouse Friday after a judge was stabbed in the neck and a female officer was shot, officials said.

The suspect was identified as Michael Eugene Thomas, said Trooper Russ Winger, a spokesman for the Washington State Patrol.

"They believe he could be in a location in the area," Winger told CNN. "They believe he is armed."

So, what I'd like to ask is should Judges carry weapons in the courthouse? What kind of steps do you think should be taken to protect our courthouses?

 

[Bugfatty300]

Judges should abide by the laws that everyone else fallows. Typically that means no weapons for anyone in a court house except for LEOs. They shouldn't get special immunity.

 

[emzie]

With armed cops in the court room, I don't really see the point.

 

[Leonel]

I know that courthouse! It's a big Capitol like building that looks more worn down than the actual Capitol

 

[Formaldehyde]

Don't your courthouses all have metal detectors? The ones where I served jury duty were so sensitive that you couldn't even wear street shoes and successfully pass through them.

 

[Synobun]

How exactly do you get about letting this happen in a secure courtroom?

 

[JollyRoger]

The judges in my county are too hotheaded to be entrusted with firearms.

 

[Joecoolyo]

I don't think judges should be armed.

But there should have been a second cop in the room. And a pat down.

Who lets a guy with a gun into a courthouse?

 

[Bugfatty300]

It's my understanding that the gun was taken from the officer during the struggle.

 

[NetGear]

Since he took the gun, giving the judge a firearm will just let suspect the ability to dual wield.

Fix what's broke here. Don't invent another weird solution imo.

 

[Joecoolyo]

It's my understanding that the gun was taken from the officer during the struggle.

Yeah, that makes more sense.

Two cops should always be present to prevent a situation like this.

 

[Camikaze]

I would've thought it'd be better to have no-one with a gun in a courtroom. If you have security checks to get into the courthouse, there should be no need for an armed officer.

 

[Ooovis]

That only works if your security is perfect and everyone in the courtroom is harmless

 

[Bugfatty300]

I would've thought it'd be better to have no-one with a gun in a courtroom. If you have security checks to get into the courthouse, there should be no need for an armed officer.

A few years ago there was a crazy man who tried to shoot his way into a courthouse. Fortunately the couple of police at the door and an armed citizen were able to hold him off but if he had gotten past them then it would have been open season on the people inside unless there was more armed opposition within the actual building and courtrooms.

 

[Formaldehyde]

Yeah, that makes more sense.

Two cops should always be present to prevent a situation like this.

In the court case where I sat on the jury last year, there were 3 armed bailiffs in the courtroom at all times when the defendant was there.

But this was apparently a case of someone acting suspicious in a courthouse according to the article in the OP. And he had a knife. That shouldn't happen under any circumstances.

 

[Skwink]

Turns out the shooter is still on the loose.

 

[FriendlyFire]

They need those FIFTH ELEMENT auto turrets.
Judge presses a button and auto turrets activate.