Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice weighs in on shooting

“One of the most difficult days in the history of the Delaware Judiciary.”

That’s how Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Myron Steele describes Monday’s shooting at the New Castle County Courthouse.  In a lengthy statement, Steele calls Monday’s shooting “nothing short of tragic.”  

He says while the reaction to the incident will be debated “across government offices of this state and beyond,” his primary focus is making sure Delaware’s courts are safe for both the public and employees.  “I pray that none of us ever witness another day in our judicial branch like Monday.”  

Steele says going forward, the state’s Judicial Branch will “continue to our efforts to balance security and access to justice.”  While the security procedures are being evaluated along with Monday’s events, Steele says Capitol Police deserve credit for keeping the incident from getting worse.  

“I believe the quick actions of the Capitol Police officers on Monday saved many lives and demonstrated their amazing courage and heroism.  They kept what was a very tragic event from becoming catastrophic.”  He credits active shooter training performed at the courthouse with preparing the officers for such an event.  

He says as state lawmakers consider the budget for the coming fiscal year, “We strongly support requests from the Capitol Police for resources to augment the services they provide to the courts and others.”

The New Castle County Courthouse is scheduled to officially reopen for court business on Thursday.

You can read Steele’s comments in their entirety on NewsWorks.org/Delaware.