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A suspected gunman is dead and a judge is in stable condition after he was gunned down in an ambush-style attack outside an Ohio courthouse this morning, authorities said.
Judge Joseph J. Bruzzese Jr. was shot and injured outside the Jefferson County courthouse in Steubenville in eastern Ohio shortly after 8 a.m., after the suspect ran up to him and started firing, officials said.
Steubenville city manager James Mavromatis said a probation officer returned fire. The sheriff said the judge also pulled out his own gun, firing several rounds.
"This individual laid in wait, for our judge, and ... it just hurts. First thing on a Monday morning," Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla said emotionally. "You have a judge shot in front of his courthouse, and that affected me... This was ambush and attempted murder on our judge."
Bruzzese underwent surgery and is expected to survive, officials said this afternoon.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Jane Hanlin said the probation officer likely saved the judge's life.
The deceased suspect, identified by Hanlin as Nathaniel Richmond, was the father of Ma'lik Richmond, the former Steubenville High School star football player who was convicted in 2013 of sexually assaulting a fellow student.
Bruzzese did not preside over Ma'lik Richmond's case, Hanlin said, adding there is no reason to believe there is any connection between Ma'lik Richmond's case and this shooting.
The motive for the shooting is unknown, Hanlin said, adding that there were a number of cases involving the gunman in this judge's courtroom and other courtrooms in the past. "Whether there is a connection between any prior appearances and today’s action, we don’t know the answer to that," she said.
Abdalla said a passenger was in the suspect's car this morning, and while the passenger is not considered a suspect at this time, the individual is being questioned.
"He didn't get out of the car," Abdalla said. "Supposedly, according to him, he wasn't aware what this guy was going to do."
Hanlin said this individual is in custody and it is not yet clear if he or she would face any criminal charges.
The FBI is on the scene and working with local law enforcement, officials said.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said he and his wife "are praying for Judge Bruzzese and his family at this difficult time."
(ABC)
