Indiana chief justice hosts security webinar for judges in aftermath of Tippecanoe County shooting

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush hosted a security webinar for judges Thursday in the wake of the shooting of Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kim.

According to a news release, nearly 200 judges participated in the 30-minute live webinar, which Rush hosted from Tippecanoe County alongside Tippecanoe County Circuit Court Judge Sean Persin and security expert James Hamilton.

Rush referenced a December 2023 survey conducted by the Supreme Court’s Office of Judicial Administration that pointed out Hoosier judges’ security concerns.

Of the 214 judges who responded, more than 150 reported being the target of threats. Judges described incidents including threats to set them on fire and to blow up their homes. At the time of the survey, the Supreme Court was seeking funding for security grants to support judicial safety statewide.

During Thursday’s discussion, Rush emphasized continued efforts to improve protections for judges and court staff. She said the court is grateful for law enforcement agencies that provide courthouse security and stressed the need for those agencies to have adequate resources to protect judges, staff, attorneys and litigants, the press release said.

Rush acknowledged that law enforcement has made arrests related to the Jan. 18 shooting of Judge Meyer and his wife and expressed gratitude for what she described as the dedicated work of officers involved. She said her focus remains on supporting the Meyers, court staff and judges across Indiana.

Rush also addressed procedural steps following the shooting. A request for a special judge has been submitted to the Indiana Supreme Court through its administrative office, with an order appointing a special judge expected Monday.

Under the Judicial Code of Conduct, the special judge will not be permitted to answer questions about the case. Scheduling and procedural updates will be provided through mycase.in.gov, and the Supreme Court’s Office of Communication will assist with media coordination.

In the meantime, cases in Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 will continue. Judge Persin requested, and the Supreme Court approved, the appointment of a senior or pro tempore judge to handle cases while Meyer recovers.

In a statement included in the news release, Judge Meyer thanked law enforcement and the community for their support and said he and his wife would not make further public statements about the case to allow the judicial process to move forward.