As the defendant was led into the courtroom, he glared at the impending witnesses while limping past them. In a series of unusual circumstances, Fred Dorleth had been shot by a security officer at a hospital. He allegedly threatened a services secretary there while trying to sort out a problem with a bill. The questions turned to argument and escalated to a ranting about the high cost of health care and how it was ruining the United States. When he was asked to leave, he refused. Instead, he continued his frustration, stating ‘they should get rid of them all’ referring to doctors and bills and whatever else was causing him mental pain. Now Mr. Dorleth had never said he wanted to kill everyone, or even displayed a weapon of any kind. He merely blurted out that ‘getting rid of them all’ would solve the health care problem, or at least his problem. At that point in time, the secretary hit a panic button hidden underneath her desk. A security officer, who was an off-duty policeman, arrived on the scene. After Dorleth refused the officer’s instructions to leave the property, he was shot. It was a very uncommon occurrance to happen inside a hospital. Ironically, he was treated at the same hospital for a gunshot wound and kept there more as prisoner than patient. When his preliminary arraignment on several charges arrived, he was taken from the hospital to the courtroom. He explained to his court-appointed attorney that he was innocent, a song the young lawyer had heard many times in his budding career. The pair stood side by side in front of a table as the judge entered the courtroom.

“All rise,” said the court clerk instructing everyone in the room. The judge quickly made his way from the doorway to the bench like a film star following an introduction. He hurriedly grabbed the wooden gavel and pounded it twice as he took his seat, all in one motion.  “Court is now in session,” said the clerk. The prosecuting attorney took his cue and said, “Your Honor, the People of the State of New York versus Frederick Dorleth, five counts your honor.” “Mr. Dorleth, how do you plead to the felony charge of second degree assault of an officer,” asked the judge.   His attorney spoke on his behalf, “Not guilty, your honor.”  “Mr. Dorleth, how do you plead to the felony charge of second degree reckless endangerment,” continued the judge.  “We plead not guilty, your honor,” said the attorney.