For Immediate Release | January 23, 2026
Addressing judicial security as trial judge and wife recover from shooting
Today, Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush hosted a security webinar for Indiana judges. Nearly 200 judges joined Chief Justice Rush, Tippecanoe County Circuit Court Judge Sean Persin, and security expert James Hamilton for a 30-minute live discussion.
On Sunday, January 18, Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 Judge Steve Meyer and his wife Kim were shot in their Lafayette home. They are both recovering. Chief Justice Rush immediately released a statement saying she is deeply grateful the Meyers are alive. “I worry about the safety of all our judges. Any violence against a judge or a judge's family is completely unacceptable.”
Rush asked judges to “please remain vigilant” in their own security, and today she hosted the webinar from Tippecanoe County to discuss their concerns and continued efforts to improve judicial security statewide.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court’s Office of Judicial Administration—through the Indiana Judicial Conference Court Security Committee—surveyed judges. Of the 214 that responded, more than 150 said they have been the target of a threat. Judges provided descriptions such as “one litigant threatened to set me on fire.” Another explained, “a litigant threatened to blow up my house.” At that time, the Supreme Court was requesting funding for security grants to support the safety of judicial officers throughout the state.
Today, Chief Justice Rush talked about the continued effort to help judges. “We are grateful for all law enforcement that provide security in courthouses across the state. We want law enforcement to have the resources to safely protect judges, staff, attorneys, and the litigants who come to court.”
Chief Justice Rush is aware law enforcement have made arrests related to the shooting of Judge Meyer and his wife Kim. Chief Justice Rush is very grateful for the dedicated work of law enforcement in protecting judicial officers. She is focused on supporting Judge Meyer, Kim, court staff, and all judges in their safety.
From a procedural standpoint, a request for a special judge has been made to the Indiana Supreme Court through its administrative office (26S-SJ-20). An order appointing a special judge is expected Monday.
The Judicial Code of Conduct will prevent the special judge from answering questions about the case. Scheduling and procedural information will be provided to press including through mycase.in.gov. The Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Communication will assist the special judge with media liaison efforts as the judge concentrates on the case.
In Tippecanoe Superior Court 2, cases will move forward. Judge Persin has requested, and the Supreme Court has approved (26S-MS-19), a senior/pro tempore judge to handle cases as Meyer recovers. Judge Meyer expressed his appreciation for the efforts of local, state, and federal officers and agents: “We are extremely grateful for the perseverance of law enforcement and the continued community support. We will not be making public statements about the case since it is important to let the judicial process move forward.”
Contact
Kathryn Dolan, Chief Public Information Officer
317-234-4722
kathryn.dolan@courts.in.gov