Brian Nichols’ 2005 Atlanta Courthouse Rampage
Overview
On March 11–12, 2005, Brian Gene Nichols carried out a deadly sequence of attacks that began inside the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, and continued across the metropolitan area. The violence unfolded while Nichols was in custody awaiting retrial on serious felony charges. By overpowering a sheriff’s deputy, seizing her firearm, and moving through the courthouse complex, Nichols murdered multiple people, carjacked civilians, and ultimately killed a federal law enforcement officer before being captured the following day.
Lead-Up and Courthouse Attack (March 11, 2005)
On the morning of Friday, March 11, 2005, Nichols was transported to the Fulton County Courthouse to stand trial. While being escorted in a holding area, he attacked Deputy Cynthia Hall, beating her severely and taking her service weapon. With the handgun, Nichols moved to the courtroom level and targeted the proceedings where his case was to be heard. Inside the courthouse, he shot and killed the presiding judge and the court reporter, then fled the building. As he escaped, he encountered sheriff’s personnel pursuing him; one deputy sergeant was fatally shot during the chase outside the complex.
Escape, Carjackings, and the Killing of a Federal Agent (Evening of March 11, 2005)
Having fled the downtown area, Nichols traversed parts of Atlanta and its northern neighborhoods. That evening, he encountered a federal law enforcement officer at the agent’s home. Nichols shot and killed the officer and stole his credentials, firearm, and vehicle. The killing intensified the already massive manhunt, drawing in local, state, and federal agencies across the region.
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