One Dead After Brandishing Gun at Lewis & Clark County Courthouse

One person is dead after local and county law enforcement responded to a threat at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse Friday afternoon, according to authorities.

At around 1:30 p.m., Helena police officers and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the county courthouse, 228 E. Broadway St., after numerous 911 calls reported that a woman was brandishing a handgun. The woman threatened several people, including a judge, according to a release from Helena Police Chief Brett Petty and county Sheriff Leo Dutton.

The suspect, whose name had not been released yet, left the courthouse and walked east on Broadway Street before being approached by law enforcement, the release stated.

The woman was “uncompliant” with officers’ commands and was shot, according to the release.

Attempts to save the woman were unsuccessful. Local law enforcement blocked a portion of Broadway Street as police officers and deputies secured the scene.

Because city police and county deputies were involved, the Montana Department of Criminal Justice will lead the ongoing investigation.

The statement did not reveal the woman’s motives, although authorities said that more information would be released as the investigation continues.