ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A routine hearing in a New Mexico state courtroom devolved into chaos when three people rushed the defendant in a murder case, setting off a brawl with flying fists and kicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Courtroom video cameras recorded the Jan. 31 melee that has resulted in felony charges against two men who apparently rushed the defendant in a fit of rage over the killing of a relative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two men were charged with battery and assault on a public official. The fighting subsided as a law enforcement officer drew a stun gun and cordoned off the defendant from further attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A woman also has been arrested on the same charges, Albuquerque TV station KRQE reported Thursday<\/a>. The courtroom video showed her hitting the defendant and an officer with a chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The presence of corrections officers and other security details in courtrooms doesn’t always keep the peace. Last year, a defendant in a felony battery case in Nevada flung himself over a judge\u2019s bench<\/a> and grabbed her hair, sparking a bloody brawl with court officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Katina Watson, court executive officer at New Mexico’s Second Judicial District, told KRQE<\/a> that \u201cthese are the types of things that we see regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She praised an officer for reacting to ensure safety, without mention of potential security enhancements. The Associated Press sent a request to the court Thursday for comment on the courtroom fight and security precautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n