Defendant attacks judge during Vegas courtroom sentencing

In a shocking incident that took place in a Las Vegas courtroom, a man being sentenced launched himself over a judge’s bench and launched a violent attack as several individuals struggled to restrain him. The incident was caught on video.

Clark County District Court Judge, Mary Kay Holthus, found herself targeted when Deobra Redden, the defendant, disrupted the courtroom by shouting expletives during the sentencing. Redden then made a sudden rush towards the judge, leaping over the bench and violently pulling her to the floor.

Defendant attacks judge during sentencing in Vegas courtroom

As the attack unfolded, chaos erupted with courtroom personnel and other individuals rushing to intervene. One person was observed striking the combative Redden in an attempt to stop him.

According to court records, Redden, 30, was attending the hearing for a charge of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm when he launched the attack on Judge Holthus. Not only did the judge sustain minor injuries, but a courtroom marshal also suffered a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder, as reported by The Associated Press.

Amidst the aftermath of the incident, District Court spokeswoman Mary Ann Price expressed gratitude towards the individuals involved in stopping Redden, including Holthus’ staff and law enforcement.

Before the attack, Redden’s attorneys had requested probation for their client, which Judge Holthus rejected. Her response, captured on video, indicated a desire for Redden to experience a different consequence due to his history of offenses.

Redden has a lengthy criminal record, having pleaded guilty to and been convicted of three felony charges. These include attempted theft in 2015, battery with substantial bodily harm in 2018, and battery constituting domestic violence in 2021, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Additionally, court records indicate misdemeanor convictions for battery in 2016 and destruction of property in 2023.

He has since been detained at the Clark County Detention Center, where he now faces charges of battery, battery on a protected person resulting in substantial bodily harm, as well as two counts of battery on a protected person.