HELENA, Mont. — A confrontation at the Lewis & Clark County courthouse in Helena resulted in law enforcement fatally shooting a woman who allegedly threatened to fire upon courthouse staff, including a judge, on Friday. According to authorities, the incident prompted a swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies following reports of a potentially violent situation.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., Helena Police Department officers and Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s deputies converged on the courthouse at 228 Broadway Avenue after receiving urgent calls about a woman armed with a pistol. Witnesses at the scene reported that the woman vocally threatened to shoot courthouse personnel.
The situation escalated when the woman, armed and making threats, exited the courthouse and proceeded to walk east on Broadway Avenue. Law enforcement officials encountered her in the 500 block of Broadway Avenue. According to a joint statement from police and the sheriff’s office, the encounter turned deadly when the woman failed to comply with commands, leading officers to use lethal force.
Despite immediate medical assistance rendered by responding officers and arriving paramedics, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Authorities have withheld the identity of the woman pending notification of her next of kin.
Following the shooting, the Helena Police Department and the Lewis & Clark Sheriff’s Office announced that the Montana Department of Justice would undertake an independent investigation to thoroughly examine the details and actions taken during the incident.
Locals in the vicinity of the courthouse reported hearing sounds resembling gunshots that afternoon, which added to the tense atmosphere. The city quickly moved to reassure the public, stating on social media that there was “no longer an active threat to public safety,” but advised residents to keep clear of the area due to ongoing law enforcement activity.
For the duration of the investigation, a section of Broadway near the courthouse was closed, disrupting normal activities and causing a significant presence of emergency services in the area, including units from Helena Fire and ambulances from St. Peter’s Health.
This incident has left the community shaken and raises questions about courthouse security and the measures in place to prevent such occurrences. It also prompts a broader discussion on the protocols for law enforcement’s engagement in situations involving armed individuals posing threats in public spaces.
The results of the investigation by the Montana Department of Justice will provide critical insights into the appropriateness of the law enforcement response and may influence future policies on handling similar threats. As the community awaits these findings, the debate continues over the balance between security measures and the rights of individuals, particularly in high-stress situations that may escalate to violence. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on these complex issues and guide potential improvements in safety protocols.