BREAKING: New John D. Allen Judicial Center vandalized one day after ribbon-cutting ceremony; suspect wanted
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- New $207.5 million John D. Allen Judicial Center vandalized one day after opening; suspect threw brick through window Halloween night.
- Frustrated courthouse employees spent months preparing facility; sheriff's office investigating incident and seeking suspect information.
The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office has provided CNAW2News with photos showing damage to the new John D. Allen Judicial Center after surveillance video captured an individual throwing a brick through a window on Halloween night.
The incident happened Saturday, Oct. 31, around 8:17 p.m., just one day after the courthouse’s official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 100 10th Street in Columbus. The $207.5 million facility represents one of the largest capital investments in Columbus history.
Photos show shattered exterior windows and broken glass scattered across the floor inside an office.
The suspect is wanted. The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Additional details about the suspect and any potential charges have not yet been provided.
The incident has also sparked frustration among courthouse employees who spent months preparing the new facility while working to keep court operations running without interruption.
A judicial employee who asked to remain anonymous told CNAW2News:
“I have worked 10-12 hour days for months … to make sure that place is ready for the citizens, with NO stop of courts or services, and to ensure they get what they paid for.”
The employee praised judges’ assistants and courthouse staff for their efforts to prepare courtrooms, coordinate technology and help departments transition into the new facility.
“I just have no words,” the employee said.
CNAW2News has reached out to officials for additional information. We will provide updates as more details become available.
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