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Martin County, FL - A Florida courtroom was thrown into chaos Wednesday when an inmate allegedly spat at a judge and tried to physically attack him during a hearing.
Martin County authorities identified the suspect as 46-year-old Evan Paul McCullough, who was appearing before Judge William Roby at the time of the incident.
Courtroom security footage shows McCullough, dressed in a striped inmate uniform, spitting at the judge and then lunging toward him.
Deputies quickly intervened, restraining and wrestling McCullough to the ground to prevent further escalation.
Judge Roby was unharmed, and court officials confirmed that security measures functioned as intended.
McCullough had previously been arrested in October on charges including battery on a law enforcement officer.
Following Wednesday’s courtroom incident, he faces additional charges, including battery on a judge or a person over 65 and corruption by threat.
These charges carry serious legal consequences due to the nature of the alleged attack and the position of the victim within the judicial system.
The sheriff’s office stated that McCullough remains in custody and that the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities emphasized that the public should not speculate on the motive behind the alleged attack until the investigation concludes and more official information is released.
The incident has highlighted the procedures in place to protect judges, court staff, and the public from aggressive or violent behavior by defendants.
Law enforcement said deputies responded quickly and effectively to prevent harm and maintain courtroom safety.