MASONTOWN, Pa. — Many questions remain after an assault suspect shot several people inside a judge’s office Wednesday, but one of the most pressing issues is a look at the security for buildings of this type.
The magistrate’s building where the shooting took place is not a formal courthouse, and police officers are there occasionally for criminal hearings, there is not always formal security.
According to witnesses, the incident began when a woman entered the building and was followed by the gunman.
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“The door burst open and people started pouring in and I heard, ‘shooter, shooter, shooter,’” one witness said.
Police were able to respond quickly because the building was right next to a police department and there were several other officers present for cases.
DA: German Twp police officer ran toward gunfire and took down suspect saving 30-40 other police. #WPXI
— Courtney Brennan (@CourtBrennanTV) September 19, 2018
One of those officers who responded was from German Township. He was able to shoot and kill the gunman.
“In this case, as is so often the case, the German Township police officer ran toward the danger and not away,” Fayette County District Attorney Richard Bower said.
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