Indiana Judge and His Wife Injured in Shooting at Their Home, Police Say
Community on Alert as Authorities Investigate Shooting That Injured Indiana Judge and His Wife
An unsettling incident has rocked the community of Lafayette, Indiana, after a veteran judge and his wife were wounded in a shooting at their home this past Sunday afternoon. The non‑fatal attack has prompted a multi‑agency investigation and reignited concerns about the safety of public officials and their families. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant as the suspect remains at large and local law enforcement intensifies efforts to bring them into custody.
What Happened
On Sunday, January 18, around 2:17 p.m. local time, officers from the Lafayette Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in a residential neighborhood in Lafayette, approximately 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis. At the scene, officers discovered Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
Judge Meyer sustained an injury to his arm, while his wife was wounded in the hip. Both were immediately transported to a nearby hospital where they received medical treatment and were later reported to be in stable condition.
Law enforcement recovered several shell casings from the scene, but as of Monday, no suspect had been identified or apprehended, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the attack.
Law Enforcement Response
The Lafayette Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, the West Lafayette Police Department, the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Together, these agencies are combing through evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, hoping to identify and locate the shooter.
Mayor Tony Roswarski publicly condemned the violence, calling the shooting a “senseless and unacceptable act.” He assured residents that “every available resource” is being used to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. While no official suspect description has been released, residents in the community are on high alert, and law enforcement has increased patrols in the area.
Personal Statements and Community Reaction
In a statement shared with the press, Kimberly Meyer expressed deep gratitude for the quick response of law enforcement and the medical professionals who treated her and her husband. She also thanked the community for its outpouring of support, describing such encouragement as invaluable during a frightening time.
Friends, colleagues, and local residents have also expressed shock and sympathy. Many have noted the toll that violence against public servants and community leaders can have on civic institutions and public morale. The incident has brought to the forefront conversations about how to better protect individuals serving in high‑profile roles as well as their families.
Broader Implications
The shooting of a sitting judge and his spouse is especially troubling because of the symbolic and practical role judges play in maintaining law and order. Judges routinely make difficult decisions that shape communities, and attacks against them can undermine confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law.
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush released a message to judges statewide, expressing her concern over the attack. She urged judges to “remain vigilant in your own security” and emphasized that “any violence against a judge or a judge’s family is completely unacceptable.” Her remarks underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for heightened awareness among public officials.
Safety Protocols and Judicial Security
In the wake of the shooting, discussions have emerged about how to improve safety protocols for judges and other public servants who may be at risk because of their work. While details about security measures are often sensitive and not publicly disclosed for obvious reasons, it is clear that both state and local judicial officials are reviewing procedures and resources available for protecting court personnel and their families.
Experts suggest that enhanced coordination between law enforcement and judicial offices, coupled with community awareness and reporting, can make a significant difference in preventing similar incidents. Many are also calling for expanded mental health support and threat assessment resources to help identify and defuse potential attackers before they act.
A Community on Guard
The Lafayette community has responded with a mix of support and heightened caution. Neighborhood watch groups have been active, residents are sharing information through local networks, and there is a palpable sense of unity in seeking justice for the Meyers while ensuring such acts do not become more common.
While Sunday’s shooting has shaken many in Lafayette, the stable condition of both victims offers a measure of relief. Authorities continue to make the investigation a top priority, hoping that new leads will surface and lead them to the suspect.
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