In Rockford, Illinois, Winnebago County’s chief judge has expressed strong disapproval over recent threats and harassment aimed at a colleague. This follows a decision by Judge Heidi Agustsson to allow a murder suspect pretrial release, prompting Chief Judge John Lowry to speak out against the inflammatory rhetoric that he believes compromises judicial safety and the court’s integrity.

Judge Lowry’s statement came on Tuesday in defense of Judge Agustsson, who faced hostility after her ruling permitted the pretrial release of 20-year-old murder suspect Varianna Parsons. Lowry pointed out that the situation intensified due to remarks from a public official who criticized the judge’s decision as “unacceptable” and “negligent,” despite not being present during the court proceedings.