Federal agents detaining men at courthouse not a raid, Albemarle Sheriff says

An incident Tuesday morning at the Albemarle courthouse, where two men were detained by federal agents, sparked outrage and confusion.

The event, partially captured on video, showed one of the men being led from the courthouse in handcuffs by men in plain clothes who placed him in an unmarked SUV and left.

One of the outlets reporting on the incident, 29 News-WVIR Charlottesville, said witnesses described the scene as “unusual” and “alarming,” particularly because the agents reportedly did not produce identification or warrants when questioned.

WVIR broadcast Nicolas Repucci, an Albemarle County public defender representing one of the detained men, stating, “They did not produce a warrant. They did not produce any identification showing that they were law enforcement.”

According to Repucci his client was facing assault charges that had just been dismissed. Shortly afterward, as he attempted to leave the courthouse, his client was grabbed by two men, one wearing a balaclava-style mask. A portion of that interaction is also shown in the video.

The incident triggered a demonstration outside the courthouse. The story was covered by numerous outlets raising broader concerns. Even the ACLU of Virginia came out condemning, “appalling detainment of two Charlottesville community members.”

“With no official identification, no demonstration of legal authority, and no stated cause for arrest, this incident is indistinguishable from a kidnapping,” ACLU of VA stated.

In response to the backlash, Albemarle Sheriff Chan Bryant released a statement painting the claims of the “federal agents” being unidentified as false.

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She said three plain-clothes federal agents presented badges, federal credentials, and paperwork to a bailiff before entering the courthouse screening area. When the agents were presenting their identification and credentials, none wore any face coverings. Bryant said the agents also showed the bailiff photographs of the two men they were seeking. She did not say what agency they were with.

The first individual was detained without incident. While the agents waited outside the courtroom for the second individual’s case to conclude, according to Bryant, a small group gathered and began videoing them. At that point, one of the agents covered his face. Once the second individual’s case concluded, they detained him and took him away.

“At no time was this a raid of the courthouse. These individuals were identified by the federal agents and taken into custody with paperwork in hand for them. Which would be the same practice whether it be Albemarle or Charlottesville police, state agencies or federal agencies,” said Sheriff Bryant.

“The Albemarle County Sheriff’s Office does not have any contact with federal agencies regarding any individuals who have court cases,” said Bryant.

She added that her office did not have the authority to stop the federal agents. “The Albemarle County court complex is a public building and as such, the only individuals who can prohibit entry would be the Judges therein.”