BOISE, ID – Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan highlighted an increase in violent threats directed at judges, court personnel and elected officials during speeches to the Idaho Legislature on Wednesday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
“Threats directed at Idaho judges and courts have increased significantly in recent years, and while most never materialize, those that do require precautions that can disrupt court operations and delay the delivery of justice,” Bevan told legislators.
During the 22-minute speech, which he delivered to both the Idaho Senate and the Idaho House of Representatives, Bevan raised concerns about a Dec. 26 shooting at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace, near the county courthouse and other government buildings. KBOI and other news organizations reported that a suspect began shooting outside the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, injuring two members of the public and a law enforcement officer. The 77-year-old suspect was killed following a standoff with law enforcement officers after the suspect entered the sheriff’s office and barricaded himself inside, KBOI reported.
“It’s only been a month since a man approached the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and began firing his weapon,” Bevan said. “The nearby courthouse was closed for a state holiday. But had it been open, it is unsettling to imagine county clerks, court staff, the public or judges finding themselves in harm’s way. All of us who serve in public office understand that the risk is not theoretical.”
In a separate incident, the Idaho State Judicial Branch issued a press release in September calling for an end to public threats against a judge who sentenced a defendant who was originally charged with a felony for lewd conduct with a minor child under 16 to probation after a plea agreement for a different charge was agreed upon. Following the sentencing, Idaho court officials say the judge and his family and children were subject to numerous nationwide threats including calls to hunt the judge down.
Idaho court officials said the volume and seriousness of the threats against the judge required additional security precautions at public expense.
“Legislators, judges and executive officials alike have been reminded tragically that public service can make one a target – especially given the importance of conducting public business in a space open to the public – and that reality places sustained pressure on courthouse security,” Bevan said.
In Wednesday’s speech, Bevan noted that state funds are constrained this year, and he did not bring any specific proposals or funding requests to the Idaho Legislature. But he did ask legislators to thoughtfully consider how best to protect public officials and members of the public who use the court system.
“The state of Idaho has a legitimate interest in the security of courthouses where state employed judges conduct the public’s business,” Bevan said.
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