CHARLOTTE, Mich. (AP) — A father of three victims of Larry Nassar tried to attack the disgraced former sports doctor Friday during a court hearing in Michigan.
JUST IN: Father of Larry Nassar victim charges at the disgraced former USA Gymnastics doctor in court. He was tackled and taken into police custody. https://t.co/O0pXTKVqV6 pic.twitter.com/hSOEHCLD2d
— ABC News (@ABC) February 2, 2018
After two of his daughters spoke, the father, Randall Margraves, asked the judge for “five minutes” in a locked room with Nassar. The judge said she couldn’t do that. He then asked for one minute, and later said he was a “distraught father.”
The judge cautioned Margraves after he called Nassar a profanity. The father then rushed at Nassar, though he was quickly tackled by bailiffs. Two of his daughters had given statements earlier in court. They said their other sister also had been molested by Nassar.
Crying could be heard in the courtroom as Nassar was escorted out. Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis told families in the courtroom to “use your words” and that violence “is not helping your children.”
The incident came during the third and final sentencing hearing for Nassar on sexual abuse charges. The charges in this case focus on his work with Twistars, an elite Michigan gymnastics club.
More than 30 victims have given statements so far. During a similar hearing that ended last week, more than 150 girls and women came forward to say Nassar abused them under the guise of medical treatment.
More victims are expected to speak. The proceedings are likely to extend into next week.
