Man Attacks Las Vegas Judge After She Denies Him Probation

Deobra Redden, 30, with a history of three felonies, faced Judge Mary Kay Holthus in Clark County District Court. 

Convicted of attempted battery causing substantial bodily harm, Redden's attorney had requested probation for him at the hearing around 11 a.m., as reported by KLAS.

However, Judge Holthus decided against probation, citing Redden's repeat offenses. 

She expressed, “I think it’s time he got a taste of something else because I just can’t with that history.” 

Unexpectedly, Redden charged at the bench, leaping over it with arms outstretched and tackled Judge Holthus, causing chaos in the courtroom. 

The American and Nevada state flags toppled over during the scuffle.

Footage from the scene shows several individuals grappling with Redden, who was shouting profanities at the judge. 

Despite being restrained by court officers, Redden managed to break free momentarily and again lunged towards the judge, still on the ground. 

Video caught Deobra Redden tackling a judge in a Las Vegas courtroom Credit: 8newsnow

The video captures punches being exchanged in the ensuing struggle.

Amid the commotion, voices in the background are heard expressing concern and shock, with one person asking about Judge Holthus’s well-being. 

“What the hell’s wrong with you man?” someone can be heard yelling in the background.

“Where’s Mary Kay – is she okay?” a man asks when Redden is finally put in handcuffs.

Redden was eventually handcuffed after an alarm alerted others to the disturbance.

Judge Holthus sustained a minor head injury but was reported to be okay, with a marshal also injured in the altercation. 

Redden tackled Judge Mary Kay Holthus after a wild jump. Credit: 8newsnow

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson commended the marshal and law clerk for their heroic actions, stating, “Thank God the judge is okay.”

“Without them, the situation would have been much worse as this defendant exhibited extremely violent behavior and I’m confident there will be consequences.”

Previously, on April 23, Redden had threatened another individual, leading to significant bodily harm, per court records. 

In May, a different judge ordered Redden to undergo a mental competency evaluation.

He was committed to a behavioral facility and declared competent in October. 

Redden had pled guilty to the charges in November and was issued an arrest warrant by Judge Holthus in December for missing a court date, KLAS reported.

Redden was handcuffed after a struggle. Credit: 8newsnow

Following the courtroom attack, Redden now faces additional charges, including battery and battery on a protected person, the latter implying serious harm to the victim. 

He is scheduled for another court appearance, this time hopefully restrained, and is currently detained at Clark County Jail.

Redden had previously faced Judge Holthus on property destruction charges and served a year in prison for domestic battery in 2021.