White Supremacists Turn Violent in Federal Court

KUTV.com/November 30, 2004

There was violence in the courtroom as a white supremacist gang fought with marshals in federal court. A dozen members of the soldiers for Aryan Culture kicked, spat and swore at the judge and marshalls Tuesday morning.

Rod Decker has more.

They are already in prison, but they are charged with such things as running drugs, attempting murder and racketeering from inside prison.

As they came to court earlier this month, Soldiers for Aryan Culture said there was bad blood between them and lawmen.

Tuesday's hearing was because federal prosecutors and lawmen had received a specific, credible threat of violence concerning the case. The feds allege that gang members outside prison carry out orders from the gang members in prison.

Judge Sam Alba said because of the threat, the prisoners will be separated from each other and may receive no visits except from their lawyers.

The prisoners objected.

"There was strenuous and profane verbal protest," said prosecutor Stephen Sorenson.

The prisoners used the f-word and became violent.

"What started it was one of the prisoners spit at one of the security officers," said Chief Deputy Marshall James Thompson.

In a scuffle, defense lawyer Mary Corporan was physically pulled away from the prisoners.

"Even though they were fully shackled, they could kick and butt, and spit, and all that took place today," said Thompson.