Taos County, NM Courthouse placed on lockdown due to threats
TAOS COUNTY, NM —
Taos County District Court was put on lockdown Tuesday because of security threats, according to authorities. The threats come just one day after a judge said the five adults found with 11 malnourished children at a northern New Mexico compound can get out of jail.
Barry Massey, with the Administrative Office of the Courts, said the Taos County Sheriff made the decision to put the courthouse on lockdown because of threats that have been called into the courthouse and emailed. Massey said the threats included physical violence against the judge and court staff.
“One caller told a court staffer he wished someone would come and smash the judge’s head in. Another said he wished someone would slit the judge’s throat,” Massey said.
Monday’s hearing in Taos District Court lasted hours, with both sides presenting evidence. In the end a district court judge said prosecutors didn't provide enough evidence to prove the five suspects were a danger to the community. Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, 39, Lucas Morton, 40, Jany Leveille, 35, Hujrah Wahhaj, 38, and Subhanah Wahhaj, 35, are charged with multiple counts of child abuse.
https://www.koat.com/article/taos-county-courthouse-placed-on-lockdown-due-to-threats/22727737