• 02
  • March
    2010

In early January, a man carried a shotgun into the federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas and opened fire. He killed security officer and retired Las Vegas police sergeant, Stanley Cooper, and wounded John Gardner, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The man, identified as Johnny Lee Hicks, recently lost a lawsuit he brought against the government over a cut in his Social Security disability, which he claimed was due to racial discrimination. Reportedly, Hicks had represented himself in court with handwritten documents and was disgruntled over the outcome.

Hicks set fire to his apartment before setting out on the three-mile walk to the courthouse. Once inside, he took a shotgun out of his trench coat and began shooting. He ran from the courthouse under fire from seven U.S. Marshals and security officers and died across the street from gunshot wounds. An inquest into the event has been scheduled for February 19.

The courthouse shooting was not Johnny Lee Hicks first violent act. He has a criminal record, which includes the murder of his brother with a shotgun in 1974.

Practice Patience and Seek an Advocate

Unfortunately, it is true that for the majority of applicants, the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits is a long, complicated and sometimes maddening process. A qualified attorney who specializes in Social Security disability benefits can help you navigate the process, which may seem confusing and never-ending at times.

If your claim is denied, as is the case for over eighty percent of applicants, an attorney can help you appeal the decision. An attorney will act as your advocate and be on your side during a tough process where you might feel alone otherwise.