An Indiana judge and his wife are recovering after being shot at their home in Lafayette. The couple was found injured on Sunday afternoon. Steven Meyer, a Tippecanoe superior court judge, hurt his arm, while his wife, Kimberly, suffered a hip injury.
Authorities responded quickly, recovering shell casings at the scene. Despite the severity of the incident, both Steven and Kimberly are in stable condition. The police have launched an extensive investigation involving local and federal agencies but have not yet identified a suspect or motive.
Lafayette’s Mayor, Tony Roswarski, reassured the public, stating all resources are being used to find those responsible for this “unacceptable act of violence.” Meanwhile, Kimberly expressed her gratitude towards the investigators and medical staff.
This incident has raised alarms among other judges in Indiana. Loretta H. Rush, the state supreme court chief justice, urged her colleagues to prioritize their safety. She emphasized that judges, who handle over a million cases annually, deserve to feel safe in their roles. In her message, she asserted that violence against judges or their families is intolerable.
Recently, studies indicate that threats and violence against public officials have been rising nationwide. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, reports of threats against federal judges alone increased by 410% in 2021. This trend highlights pressing safety concerns in the judiciary.
Social media reactions have been a mix of support for the Meyers and calls for greater protections for public figures. Many users are expressing their worries about safety within the judicial system, stressing the need for measures that address the growing violence.
For more detailed information on judicial safety, you can refer to a report by the National Center for State Courts.
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