Apr 29, 2008 3:45 am US/Mountain
Prosecutor Attacked By Felon In NYC Courtroom
Man Takes Down Female Prosecutor Before Being Subdued By U.S. Marshals, Court Officers
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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A man on trial somehow sneaks a razor blade into a courtroom and attacks a female prosecutor earlier this month.
CBS
CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City has obtained shocking video of a Brooklyn courtroom attack. A convicted felon is seen lunging at a female prosecutor with a razor.
The incident occurred more than a month ago, but on Monday night we got our first look at it. It all happened in a Brooklyn federal courtroom. The prisoner attacked a prosecutor who was about to put him away.
It was an absolutely shocking scene. The prisoner is seen walking from left to right and immediately attacks the prosecutor, pulling her to the ground.
We're told the man had a razor, but it doesn't appear as though he got the chance to use it because as soon as he made his move, two marshals, a court reporter and his lawyer restrained him.
The prosecutor was pulled from under the pile. You can see she is visibly shaken but unharmed. As court officers are trying to control the prisoner, the prosecutor goes over to the table and tries to compose herself. She has said she's very thankful for everyone who was in the courtroom that day.
As for the attacker, his name is Victor Wright. The 37-year-old was in court for drug dealing, and he's facing up to two life terms for his crimes. Authorities say Wright likely had the razor in a body cavity before entering the courthouse.
As this point, the entire incident is under investigation. No charges have been filed. The U.S. Marshal's Service is conducting an internal investigation to determine who leaked the video.
The court has enacted policy changes so something like this cannot happen again, with the judge saying this was a wake-up call for his court and courts around the country.
As for Wright, he's awaiting sentencing next month. That sentencing will be done via video conferencing.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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