Upton Describes Conversation With Judge After Shooting

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Congressman Fred Upton is among thousands mourning the shooting deaths of two Berrien County court officers. It happened right outside the courtroom of Judge Charles LaSata, and Upton says he called him immediately upon hearing what was going on.

“I called Judge LaSata’s cell and he was in the middle of lockdown,” says Upton. “I could hear the tremble in his voice and he explained briefly what he had heard. It’s just shocking.”

Bailiff Ron Kienzle and head of courthouse security Joe Zangaro were killed by Larry Gordon of Coloma. Gordon managed to get the gun away from Berrien County Deputy James Atterberry Jr. as he was being transfered from a holding cell to LaSata’s courtroom and opened fire while handcuffed. Atterberry was also hit, as was a civilian. They are recovering at Lakeland Hospital, and responding officers killed Gordon.