A Talk with Fulton County Chief Judge Cynthia Wright on Gun Bill, 8 Years After Courthouse Shootings

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Credit Fulton County Superior Court

Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Cynthia Wright

  Eight years ago, on March 11, 2005, three people were killed and another seriously injured at the Fulton County Courthouse.  Brian Nichols, who was being tried on rape charges, attacked Deputy Cynthia Hall and took her gun.  

He then shot and killed Judge Rowland Barnes, court reporter Julie Ann Brandau, and Sgt. Hoyt Teasley (later, Nichols also killed Federal agent David Wilhelm in  Buckhead).

The eight-year mark comes as the Georgia General Assembly considers HB 512, which would lift many restrictions on where people can carry guns.  Among other things, the bill would allow people with concealed carry permits to bring their guns into courthouses--under certain conditions, and with certain rules.  

But many judges, including one who was in the Fulton County Courthouse that day 8 years ago, have serious concerns about the bill.

Cynthia Wright is the Chief Judge of the Fulton County Superior Court.  She spoke with WABE's Denis O'Hayer.