Black Florida Circuit Court Judge Forced From Home at Gunpoint by Police

One would think that a county judge that is known for running a no-nonsense courtroom and abides by the book would be well-known in her community, especially by law enforcement agencies. But not in Broward County, Florida.

Broward Circuit Court, Judge Ilona Holmes was forced out of her family home at gunpoint after a police mix-up over an alleged burglary on Easter Sunday. At the time, Holmes was at her sister’s home in cleaning up the dishes from dinner when she was confronted by Broward Sheriff’s deputies with guns drawn.

Judge Holmes was holding a handgun when she came out of the Deerfield Beach house that was surrounded by gun-toting deputies. The officers had been investigating a burglary, and a neighbor gave them a nonexistent address, which led them to Judge Holmes’ sister’s home.

Neighbors called Judge Holmes’ sister, Carmita Scarlett, informing her about the burglary, prompting her to look out of her window and see a deputy with a gun directed toward her. According to reports, Scarlett shouted, “There’s a man with a gun, and he’s going to shoot me.”

Holmes, who carries a firearm on her person, ran into the room and drew her weapon. Deputies told Holmes to “Put [her] hands up and come outside!”

Holmes informed the officer who she was saying, “I am Circuit Court Judge Ilona Holmes. I am armed.”

Deputies continued to train their weapons on her until a higher-ranking deputy recognized the judge and ordered the guns lowered. NBC Miami news reporter Jeff Burnside said, “Judge Holmes, one of the very few black judges in Broward County, saw justice from a whole new perspective.”