Michael Lasso Law clerk to Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus and Deputy District Attorney Jory Scarborough Received glowing recognition at the Clark County Commission meeting today, for taking immediate action when a defendant jumped the bench and attacked the judge in January.
In a video, DA investigator Joe Diamonte, summarized the reasons Michael and Jory deserved recognition. He said, “Your selfless responses to the attack on Judge Holthus, a corrections officer, and the justice system itself, are the definition of heroism itself. Without your actions, the news stories could have been about the murder of a judge. We have the upmost respect and appreciation for the selflessness and bravery of both Mike and Jory. Not only for what they did but also for how they reacted, without hesitation and without weighing the risks to their own personal safety. I would gladly have either one of you as backup on an arrest. Mike, Jory, congratulations on setting the example for all current and future employees. The attention that you have received, although I am sure a little unwanted, is well-deserved, and I’m sure it can’t hurt on your next employee evaluation.”
Mike Lasso was also named the citizen of the month for February, by the Las Vegas City Council. “Today we have a true hero joining us, and I’d like to invite clerk Mike Lasso to join us at the podium please,” said city of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, when she honored Judge Mary Kay Hothus’ law clerk. “Not only the face known round the country, but also Saturday Night Live star. You must work out a lot, do you,” the mayor asked the law clerk who became an instant celebrity from the January incident.
“Not as much as I should.” Lasso responded, as he laughed off the heavy praise. “Your judge is very thrilled that you’re in good shape.” Mayor Goodman went on to read the summary nomination for the February 2024 citizen of the month.
“In January, we all witnessed the shocking and horrifying footage of a defendant in the Clark County District courtroom leaping wildly over the bench to get at judge Mary Kay Holthus. And, we welcome you, we are so grateful. As she was attacked, Michael Lasso, as Judge Holthus’s law clerk who was seated next to her, with no thought for his own safety, as we’ve all seen, jumped into action pulling the individual away from the judge, working to restrain him and obviously helping law enforcement subdue him. As Michael turned to check on the condition of the judge, he saw that the attacker was still fighting wildly against the corrections officer who had come to restrain him. Of course, Michael jumped into the fray.”
The interest in the incident was widespread and swift. Media outlets nationwide were calling to talk to Michael and Judge Holthus. Michael told all of them, “I just did what anyone else would do.”
