The issue took center stage Tuesday at a meeting of the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, where council members, security personnel, and a judge described incidents they had personally experienced or witnessed.

Councilmember Claudia Balducci recounted being physically grabbed outside the courthouse while she was recovering from a broken foot. She said a woman who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis targeted her.

"There was a woman outside having a mental health problem, she zeroed in on me and physically grabbed me," Balducci said. "The deputy who was assigned outside came over and gently put his hand on her and said her name. I guess she is a regular there, and she turned on him, saying, 'Don't touch me,' then she let go of me so I could move on and get away."

Beyond the attacks inside and outside the building, officials said judges have received threats at their homes, someone livestreamed outside an attorney's residence, and a juror was attacked near the courthouse while serving on a case.

Balducci is pushing for the courthouse's 4th Avenue entrance to be reopened. The entrance closed for repairs in 2023 but has remained shuttered since. She also wants a long-term plan for the entire courthouse area to guide spending on repairs and security upgrades.

Other council members suggested using a jury questionnaire or public survey to better understand prospective jurors' safety concerns.

The push for improved security comes as courthouse staff and officials grapple with a rising number of violent incidents that have raised alarms about the safety of everyone who works in, visits, or serves on juries at the downtown Seattle building.