Gunman Storms Colorado Supreme Court Following Controversial Trump Decision

In a shocking incident on Tuesday morning, a gunman targeted the Colorado Supreme Court, creating chaos by firing shots, setting fire to the building, and holding a security guard hostage at gunpoint, according to local reports.

The attack follows last month's contentious 4-3 decision by Colorado's justices to bar Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot, invoking the constitution's 'insurrection' clause. In the aftermath of this decision, the justices received death threats, but authorities are currently treating Tuesday's incident as unrelated to the controversial case.

In a statement, the Colorado State Patrol emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, "The CSP [Colorado State Patrol] and DPD [Denver Police Department] are treating this incident seriously, but at this time, it is believed that this is not associated with previous threats to the Colorado Supreme Court Justices."

The assailant had reportedly fled the scene of a car wreck at 13th and Lincoln Streets, near the court building in Downtown Denver, around 1:15 am local time, allegedly pointing a handgun at another driver. Subsequently, he shot his way through a window on the building's east side, gaining entry into the Supreme Court.

Once inside, the gunman held an unarmed security guard at gunpoint, obtaining a key that provided access to the entire building. Progressing to the seventh floor, he fired additional shots and placed a 911 call around 3 am.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to the police and was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical clearance. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to other individuals, as confirmed by the police.

The Denver Fire Department responded promptly, managing to bring the fire under control. However, the Colorado State Patrol reported significant and extensive damage to the building.

As of now, the identity of the suspect remains undisclosed.

The Colorado Supreme Court had garnered attention in December for disqualifying Trump from the ballot due to his alleged involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021. The court accepted a challenge asserting that Trump was ineligible under the 14th Amendment clause prohibiting individuals who have 'engaged in insurrection' from holding office.