In re Crawford County Courthouse Shooting (Per Curiam)

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Cite as 2011 Ark. 444 SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS Opinion Delivered October 13, 2011 IN RE CRAWFORD COUNTY COURTHOUSE SHOOTING PER CURIAM On September 13, 2011, a gunman arrived at the Crawford County Courthouse in search of Circuit Judge Gary Cottrell. Fortunately, Judge Cottrell was not in his chambers. But the gunman, a former domestic-relations litigant, shot Ms. Vickie Jones, who serves as Judge Cottrell s Trial Court Assistant. The Arkansas Supreme Court extends its sympathy and best wishes to Ms. Jones as she recovers from her injuries and also extends its support to Judge Cottrell during this trying time. We thank the law-enforcement officers whose response to the emergency prevented the gunman from injuring patrons and other employees. Over the last few years, the supreme court has highlighted the need for improved security in Arkansas s courthouse facilities, and we call upon state and local officials to work with us and our Committee on Security and Emergency Preparedness.

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