JUDGE AMBUSHED At Home — Disguised Gunman Opens Fire

Police car and ambulance with flashing lights nighttime

A brazen daylight attack on a sitting judge and his wife at their Indiana home exposes alarming vulnerabilities in judicial security while a dangerous suspect remains at large.

Story Snapshot

Judge Steven Meyer and wife, Kimberl, were shot at their Lafayette home Sunday afternoon by a disguised attacker
FBI joins six-agency investigation as suspect uses deception tactics, claiming to find family dog before shooting
Enhanced courthouse security will be implemented indefinitely while both victims recover from gunshot wounds
Attack targets a 12-year veteran judge who handles major felonies and murder cases

Targeted Attack on Veteran Judge

Judge Steven Meyer, a 12-year veteran of Tippecanoe Superior Court 2, and his wife, Kimberly, were shot Sunday afternoon at their Lafayette home in what appears to be a calculated attack. The suspect used disguise and deception tactics, claiming to have found the family’s dog before opening fire through the front door around 2:15 p.m. Shell casings recovered at the scene indicate the brazen nature of this broad-daylight assault on a sitting member of the judiciary.

Meyer handles major criminal cases, including murders and level 1-5 felonies, making him a target for those seeking to intimidate or harm officers of the court. With 35 years of public service, including 23 years on the Lafayette City Council and roles as a public defender, Meyer represents the kind of dedicated public servant that criminals apparently view as a threat to their operations.

Multi-Agency Manhunt Underway

Six law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have joined the investigation, signaling the severity of this attack on judicial authority. Lafayette Police, Indiana State Police, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, West Lafayette Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, and federal agents are coordinating efforts to apprehend the suspect who remains dangerously at large. The FBI’s involvement suggests potential federal charges for attacking a judicial officer.

An urgent manhunt is underway after Indiana Judge Steven Meyer and his wife were shot inside their Lafayette home. Both are in stable condition. The shooting comes amid a rise in threats against judges and elected officials. @AaronKatersky has the latest. https://t.co/hmCNetSnQO pic.twitter.com/1tuDY77yx4

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) January 20, 2026

As of Monday evening, no arrests have been made despite the extensive multi-agency response. Police Chief Scott Galloway declined to provide detailed information, citing the active investigation. This level of law enforcement mobilization demonstrates recognition that attacks on judges threaten the foundation of our constitutional system and rule of law.

Security Failures Expose Judicial Vulnerabilities

The successful attack on Judge Meyer’s home reveals concerning gaps in judicial security protocols. Tippecanoe County Sheriff Bob Goldsmith immediately implemented enhanced courthouse security “until the foreseeable future” and increased county patrols, acknowledging that previous security measures were inadequate. The Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice notified all state judges of the incident, indicating institutional concern about judicial safety statewide.

Judge Meyer remains hospitalized in Indianapolis, awake and alert but requiring additional surgery to address arm wounds and remove particles from the shooting. His wife, Kimberly, was treated for hip wounds and released Sunday evening. Both victims’ survival despite the close-range attack suggests either poor marksmanship by the suspect or intervention that prevented a more tragic outcome.