LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Shocking video newly obtained by Channel 13 shows the moments an inmate suddenly throws punches at another inmate during a hearing earlier this month.
The scene unfolded on Feb. 1 in District Court Judge Bita Yeager's courtroom.
A court spokesperson tells Channel 13 the perpetrator is 18-year-old Dustin Langham, who had a hearing earlier that day on a guilty plea agreement on a battery charge.
Court documents reveal Langham also plead guilty to a battery charge in 2023 and is currently serving time in prison.
The incident comes less than a month after a man leaped over a bench, striking a judge in the same courthouse.
WATCH: Court footage shows Clark County judge being attacked
Metro Police identified the man as 33-year-old Deobra Redden, who was seen launching himself at Judge Mary Kay Holthus.
Chief Justice Jerry Weise said because there are often criminal defendants entering the courtroom.
"It can be a dangerous place because we have inmates here and they can be upset at how rulings go," Weise said.
But after the viral judge attack, Weise said safety has been prioritized.
"We're working with the county to increase the number of actual marshals in the courtroom, so we can have two marshals in each high risk courtroom," said Weise. "We're also offering additional training in each department.
There are currently around 100 marshals at the Eighth Judicial District Court, Weise said, but they are looking to add more.
The county also approved $1.7M for courtroom security cameras and locks, according to Weise.
Inmates are also briefed each time they enter the gallery of the courtroom by Clark County Detention Center officers. They are told not to speak to anyone in the gallery or to each other. They are also told not to stand, unless instructed by the judge.
But even so, there have been recent incidents caught on camera including from a hearing in October when two teen suspects were seen using obscene hand gestures.
"We expect people to behave," said Weise.
All those who misbehave could face charges of contempt.
Langham is due back in court Thursday for a sentencing hearing.
