In the justice system, we often criticize radical judges for their soft approach, which leads to increased crime on the streets. But it is only fair that we applaud and recognize the ones who do their job, even when they are threatened or put at risk. Clark County, Nevada, Judge Mary Kay Holthus appears to be one of those brave and unyielding judges.
On Wednesday, Holthus was about to sentence a 30-year-old defendant named Deobra Redden when the criminal unexpectedly jumped over the bench and viciously attacked the judge. The shocking attack was caught on camera and the footage quickly went viral on social media. In the video, Redden can be seen leaping over the judge’s desk, essentially going airborne to reach her. He then slammed her head against the wall and ripped out some of her hair. Her law clerk tried to intervene but was unable to stop the violent outburst.
The video also shows Judge Holthus crawling under her desk to protect herself from further harm. It was a chaotic scene, with blood spatter and documents scattered across the courtroom. The arrest report revealed that the situation was made even more chaotic when two marshals were mistakenly informed of a panic alarm in a neighboring courtroom during the incident.
After the attack, Redden reportedly told the marshals that the judge “had it out for him” and was “evil.” At the detention center, he even spat on an officer and admitted to trying to kill the judge. His motive for the attack was clear – he was upset after the judge refused to grant him bail.
In fact, during the hearing, Redden can be heard pleading for leniency despite his long criminal record. But Judge Holthus shut him down, pointing out his multiple felonies, battery, robbery, and domestic violence convictions. In response, Redden claimed to be in a “better place in his mind” and acknowledged his issues with mental health. But it was clear that the judge was not buying it.
After the attack, Judge Holthus did not back down. She was back on the bench the very next day, and now she’s doubling down on her stance. She has filed an order for Redden to be brought back to her courtroom on Monday so that she can finish the sentencing that was interrupted by the attack.
According to the report, she has even instructed officers to bring Redden “by any and all means necessary.”
Redden must have thought he could intimidate or persuade the judge to set him free, but he picked the wrong judge to mess with. Judge Holthus is standing her ground and fulfilling her duties as a strong and impartial judge. Redden is definitely going to regret his actions when he faces her again on Monday.
Full video of the man who attacked a Clark County judge in court after she denied his permission
On January 3, 2024, Deobra Delone Redden, a 30-year-old defendant, attacked District Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a sentencing hearing in a Las Vegas courtroom The incident occurred pic.twitter.com/8X7BCs4tiS— Mustafa Shaikh (@Mustafa50704573) January 4, 2024
In a system that is often criticized for being too lenient, it is crucial to have judges like Mary Kay Holthus who uphold the law and do not falter in the face of danger. We can only hope that more judges will follow her example and take a firm stand against criminals.