Judge, Two Others Killed in Atlanta Courthouse Shooting; Manhunt Continues
Brian Nichols, 33, is described as a black male, 6’1″ and weighing 200 pounds, and of medium complexion. Authorities asked people to call 404-730-5129 if they had information about Nichols’ whereabouts.
The rough details: On trial for violent crimes, including rape and holding his girlfriend prisoner, and possession of a machine gun. Caught two days ago trying to sneak a shank (homemade knife) into the courtroom. Escorted in a waiting area by a single female deputy, without restraints of any sort, dressed in civilian attire pending his hearing, this man turned on the deputy, fought her to the ground, and took her pistol. He then entered the courtroom as the only armed person present, he then shot the judge and one other (apparently a court stenographer, although the reports are mixed), used the bailiff’s handcuffs to lock up the people present, and made good his escape – killing another deputy outside the courthouse in the process. He stole a car at gunpoint, and is now on the loose somewhere withing 5 hours or so of Atlanta.
What the…?
On Wednesday, this (allegedly, at the time) violent criminal tried to smuggle a weapon into the courtroom. Was there any doubt he had planned to use it to conduct another violent act? That incident alone should have been enough to prompt a higher level of security on him. But no, he’s brought back into the courthouse two days later without restraints and escorted by a single female deputy who conveniently has a pistol for him to take.
Now the city of Atlanta is missing three law enforcement officials, including a federal judge. A rapist and murderer is on the loose, armed with a police-issue http://www.glock.com/ Glock. A huge manhunt is underway, and no one knows where this vicious animal is hiding.
The fallout from this will be tremendous.
There is no excuse for not having proper security and/or restraints for violent criminals.
My sympathies go out to the families of the victims.
ATLANTA, Ga. — A man facing rape charges grabbed a deputy’s gun and shot and killed three people, including a judge, at the Fulton County Courthouse in downtown Atlanta Friday morning, sparking a citywide manhunt.