Lawyer says West Virginia judge pointed gun at her in courtroom

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A lawyer defending a Pittsburgh company has accused a West Virginia choose of pulling a handgun out of his gown and pointing it at her in courtroom. 

Legal professional Lauren Varnado had been defending the Pittsburgh-based EQT Company within the New Martinsville, West Virginia courtroom of Decide David W. Hummel Jr. when she stated the choose pulled out a Colt .45 pistol from a shoulder holster beneath his gown.

“He pulls out his gun, factors it in a waving movement like he was scanning, first on the protection counsel, after which locations it on the bench and slowly turns it to ensure the barrel of it’s pointed at me,” Varnado stated.

The alleged act got here in the midst of a contentious authorized dispute over gasoline drilling and mineral rights. Varnado stated there had been unhealthy blood from the beginning since she had questioned Hummel on whether or not he was not conflicted since a relative had sued EQT on an analogous declare.

“He dismissed the jury and yelled at me for 45 minutes, together with profanity and private assaults,” Varnado stated.

Through the trial, Varnado, who stated she had been threatened at a neighborhood restaurant, had been escorted out and in of the courtroom with safety, however she stated Decide Hummel barred her safety from the courtroom, saying, “I’ve larger weapons than they’ve.” 

That is when she stated he pulled out his personal gun and left it on the bench.

“Within the second in my head, I used to be pondering absolutely he isn’t going to do something,” Varnado stated. “Certainly it isn’t loaded, however I do know it isn’t correct gun security to carry it that method, to level it at folks, to go away a gun mendacity round.”

Decide Hummel’s workplace stated the choose is prevented from making feedback at the moment, however EQT issued a press release supporting Varnado and chastising the choose’s alleged actions.

“A courtroom is supposed to be a spot of honor, respect and dignity. EQT is dedicated to prioritizing the protection of our staff and companions irrespective of the place they work. We’re grateful for the service of Ms. Varnado and her colleagues and relieved that they weren’t injured,” the assertion stated.

The events within the case have settled out of courtroom, however along with talking with the FBI, Varnado stated she’s cooperating with the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Fee, which she stated has an ongoing investigation of the choose on unrelated issues.

“He can’t keep on the bench,” Varnado stated. 

The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Fee had no remark, and FBI Pittsburgh stated it can’t verify or deny the existence of investigations.