Two bailiffs are dead after a an inmate pulled a gun from one of the officers while being escorted through a Michigan courthouse.
The incident occurred Monday afternoon at the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph, Michigan. According to local reports, Larry Gordon, 44, was being transported from his holding cell when a fight occurred on the way to the courtroom. During the scuffle he managed to grab a deputy’s gun and shoot the deputy. The shooting, which took place on the building’s third floor, reportedly resulted in four people (not including the gunman) being shot. Three people have been confirmed dead, the shooter and two bailiffs reportedly included in this number.
Before being taken down by police, Gordon ran into the court area where he took several hostages, including both court employees and residents, for a five-minute period.
“Our hearts are torn apart,” Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey said. “They were our friends. They were my colleagues. I’ve known them for over 30 years, so it’s a sad day. This is a great community and I’ve been overwhelmed with calls in Texas supporting us. It’s a tragedy. You never know when something like this is going to happen.”
