A custody hearing in Ada, Oklahoma, took a surprising and intense turn last month when a transgender lawyer was arrested and forcibly removed from the courtroom shortly after representing a client.
The incident happened during a detention hearing in Pontotoc County, located about 90 minutes southeast of Oklahoma City. Attorney Rob Hopkins was taken into custody for contempt after clashing with Judge Lori Jackson amid a typically routine session.
“You’re hurting me!” he shouted, with nearby spectators looking on. “I can’t breathe!” he exclaimed again, even more loudly.
Onlookers remained silent as Hopkins struggled against the handcuffs applied by the officers.
One attendee expressed feeling threatened, sharing this with the judge.
The episode escalated as Hopkins continually interrupted the proceedings and received warnings from the judge about potential contempt charges.
He claimed he faced discrimination due to his transgender identity, heightening tension in the courtroom. “That’s because I’m a transgender lawyer who practices all over the state,” he responded sharply to Jackson, who countered, “I don’t know who you are.”
Later, she remarked, “I don’t know Adam,” labeling his conduct as “totally inappropriate.”
Following this exchange, bailiffs entered the room, and chaos erupted.
“Please don’t hurt me!” Hopkins shouted at the officers.
“I’m being thrown off!” he yelled, throwing himself onto a bench before being taken to the floor by law enforcement.
Body camera footage shows more officers rushing in to assist with restraining him as his loud protests attracted a crowd both in the courtroom and in the hallways.
Hopkins demanded, “Hire a female police officer now!” and insisted, “Call 911!” as they worked to handcuff him.
“I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe!” he repeated.
While on the floor, Hopkins accused officers of “throwing his glasses on the floor,” although the video evidence seems to contradict this. He insisted they should be placed back on his face.
As officers attempted to help him sit up and escort him out, he urged them to “put it in my face,” expressing urgency similar to his earlier demands for emergency help.
In the aftermath of the contempt ruling and hearing, Hopkins announced he had closed his law firm.
He has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the legal matters involved or the closure of his practice.
