A routine hearing in a New Mexico state courtroom took a violent turn when three individuals rushed the defendant in a murder case, leading to a brawl captured by courtroom video cameras on January 31. The incident resulted in felony charges against two men who attacked the defendant in apparent retaliation for the killing of a relative.
The two men have been charged with battery and assault on a public official. The altercation was brought under control when a law enforcement officer intervened, drawing a stun gun to prevent further attacks on the defendant.
Additionally, a woman has also been arrested on the same charges after being seen on video hitting the defendant and an officer with a chair during the chaotic scene.
Despite the presence of corrections officers and security details in courtrooms, incidents like these can still occur. In a similar incident last year in Nevada, a defendant in a felony battery case leaped over a judge's bench, grabbing her hair and sparking a physical altercation with court officials.
Katina Watson, the court executive officer at New Mexico's Second Judicial District, acknowledged that such incidents are not uncommon in courtrooms. She commended the quick response of the officer who intervened to ensure safety during the brawl, although no mention was made of potential security enhancements.
The Associated Press has reached out to the court for further comment on the courtroom fight and any additional security precautions that may be considered in the future.
