(Newswire.net — February 3, 2018) –All Randall Margraves, father of three daughters who were sexually assaulted by their physician, asked the judge was to have five minutes alone with the suspect in a locked room. After being denied he asked for only one minute.
“That’s not how our legal system works,” the judge said. Margraves then took matters into his own hands, storming down the courtroom towards a man in an orange jumpsuit, but court security reacted instantly and tackled the angry father down.
Video of the incident spread across the Internet like a wildfire causing comments of sympathy and support for Margraves. Others defended the court system.
Former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, 54, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for abusing about 160 young female gymnasts who were entrusted to his care.
“I’ve signed your death warrant,” Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina told Nassar, but that wasn’t enough for the angered father who’s blood boiled to the point that he demanded to deal with the disgraced doctor himself.
When Margraves rushed towards Nassar court security tackled him down. The video showed one of the security officers pressing Margraves’ head hard to the ground asking him to relax, while another officer was cuffing him.
Social media users largely expressed support for Margraves and his actions. “Dear Randall Margraves,” wrote Liz Finnegan on Twitter, “We are in your corner, and we’ve got your back.” Her note was signed, “The world.”
Margraves’ three daughters were among the victims, which drew sympathies of parents on social media. However, there were posts accusing Margraves for his behavior, suggesting that he should take anger management therapy.
“Wow, control your anger,” one user wrote on CNN’s Facebook page. “The guy was sentenced to a total of 175 years…he’s never seeing the light of day again. Why put your own families future in further danger by doing this?” the post reds, CNN reports.
Margraves apologized to the judge for losing his temper. “I lost control. I apologize a hundred times,” Margraves said. “I’m definitely calmed down. I’m embarrassed. I’m not here to upstage my daughters. I’m here to help them heal.”
Social media community proclaimed Margraves a “Hero” for his actions but he resented such a label. “My daughters are the heroes,” he said, “and the victims and the survivors of this terrible atrocity.”