Mahoning judges rethink safety after Steubenville shooting

The ambush shooting of a judge in Steubenville has some local judges thinking more about safety and security. One unnamed judge has already requested firearms training.

Judges are aware that decisions they make from the bench can change people's lives. 

"People you're dealing with every day here are going through the most tumultuous time in their lives, and you realize that there's a lot of emotion going on in all parts of what we do," said Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge Anthony D' Apolito. 

The judge says the fact that the judge in Steubenville was armed and returned fire at his attacker got his attention. "It got me thinking about what I should do to protect myself and my family going forward, " D'Apolito said.
 
Judge Maureen Sweeney has feelings about the idea that all judges should be armed.

"And I  think if that's the case and the Supreme Court wants that to happen,  the Supreme Court needs to require all judges not only to carry but require us to be trained and re-trained," said Sweeney.

 Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene says he supports the idea of all judges having concealed carry protection.  "But training becomes an issue. There's a lot of liability there.  You know those bullets find their mark somewhere even if you miss your target, so training on use and handling would be a must," according to Greene.

While every judge in every court has deputies for protection, the Sheriff says he is offering escorts entering and leaving the courthouse. "We actually put that out to them, if they want an escort or anything like that they can certainly have one," the Sheriff said.                                     

We are not disclosing which judges say they are already conceal carry, or intend to be soon.