WRAL confirmed that a complaint was filed against
District Court Judge Brian Lewis after sources say he displayed a gun in Lee County court
on Friday, July 17, though not in a threatening manner.
State law allows judges
to carry firearms in court. However, sources say the gun had a laser sight, and
the beam’s spot appeared on a member of the clerk’s office.
The Administrative Office of the Courts told WRAL it is
aware of the allegations and has referred the matter to the Judicial Standards
Commission. WRAL asked specifically about the allegations, which the court system did not deny or confirm.
WRAL also reached out to Judge Lewis with this question: We’re told you took out a firearm during court last week
and waved it around. We’re also told the weapon had a laser sight and that the
laser landed on a clerk’s office employee in the courtroom. Did this occur, and
if so, can you provide context or explanation?
We have not yet received a reply.
WRAL also contacted the Lee County Clerk of Court, who requested we contact the state court system and would not respond to the specific allegation. Based on court records and information from WRAL’s source, we contacted the court employee who allegedly had the gun laser pointed at them. We have not heard back.
While a judge is allowed to carry a weapon under state law, the Judicial Standards Commission will determine if the alleged actions were ethical and upheld standards of “decorum” in the courtroom.