GRANTS, N.M. — A man was arrested on Monday after threatening to kill district court Judge Amanda Sanchez Villalobos, approaching the 13th Judicial District Courthouse armed with an ax, triggering a lockdown and a swift law enforcement response. The incident occurred in Grants, New Mexico.
John Karl O’Brien is facing multiple charges, including first-degree attempted murder and threatening a judge, according to the Cibola County Sheriff's Office. The target of the threats was identified as Judge Amanda Sanchez Villalobos, who presides over the 13th Judicial District, covering Cibola, Sandoval, and Valencia counties.
According to reports, the suspect had made threats against Judge Sanchez Villalobos after calling a nearby law firm. These threats were severe enough that the firm contacted 911. Following the threat, officials implemented a lockdown at the 13th Judicial District Court.
O’Brien does not appear to have any cases that have been before Villalobos in the past. The Cibola County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the motive for these threats.
Responding deputies encountered O’Brien walking towards the courthouse entrance wielding an axe. Withdrawing their sidearms, deputies demanded he drop the weapon. O’Brien complied with orders to drop the weapon and was taken into custody without further incident.
The courthouse, located on Roosevelt Avenue, houses not only the judicial courtrooms but also the offices of various elected officials and their staff, including the county clerk, treasurer, assessor, county manager, and occasionally state government officials.
Security measures at the courthouse include officers tasked with protecting the courtroom, a metal detector, and advanced doors designed to safeguard staff and officials. Despite these precautions, the incident has raised concerns over security protocols and the perimeter safety of such important buildings.
According to reports, Sheriff Diaz said the FBI appears to be involved in the investigation, indicating the seriousness of the threat and its implications. However, an official statement from the federal agency regarding their participation has yet to be made and by press time they had not responded to a request for comment.
O’Brien was charged with three alleged crimes: Attempt to Commit a Felony, to wit: First Degree Murder (Willful & Deliberate); Threatening a Judge or their Immediate Family; Use of Telephone to Terrify, Intimidate, Threaten, Harass, Annoy or Offend.
Originally, O’Brien was scheduled to be seen at the Cibola County Magistrate Courtroom of Judge Johnny Valdez for this case. On Tuesday morning the judge assignment so he would be seen by Judge Tony Mace. The trial occurred after press time, and no details of what happened were able before the Cibola Citizen went to print.