Transgender lawyer shutters firm after violent court meltdown left him jailed in contempt
A custody hearing in Ada, Oklahoma, erupted into chaos last month when attorney Rob Hopkins, who identifies as transgender, was arrested after a tense confrontation with the presiding judge. The incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a routine family court proceeding in Pontotoc County, roughly 90 minutes southeast of Oklahoma City.
Hopkins was taken into custody for contempt after repeatedly clashing with Judge Lori Jackson. Surveillance, audio recordings, and body camera footage obtained by Fox News Digital reveal the dramatic events, showing Hopkins resisting arrest in the courtroom. At one point, he sprawled across the judge’s bench, sending documents scattering across the polished surface.
“You’re HURTING ME!” Hopkins shouted as onlookers watched. He continued, “I can’t BREATHE!” as he struggled against the officers. The courtroom audience remained mostly silent while Hopkins twisted and contorted to avoid handcuffs.
One witness later told the judge that they felt “very threatened” by Hopkins’ behavior. The attorney’s outbursts and repeated interruptions had already led Jackson to warn him that continued disruption would result in a contempt charge.
During the exchange, Hopkins claimed the judge was discriminating against him because of his transgender identity. “It’s because I’m a transgender attorney practicing all over the state,” he said sharply. Jackson responded, “I don’t know what you are” and later described his actions as “entirely inappropriate.”
The situation escalated when bailiffs entered to remove Hopkins. He shouted at the officers, demanding, “Do NOT HURT ME!” and “Call 911!” while throwing himself on the bench. Additional officers were called in to restrain him, and his loud protests drew attention not only inside the courtroom but also in nearby hallways, according to body camera footage.
Hopkins repeatedly cried out that he could not breathe and accused officers of mishandling his glasses, demanding they be placed back on his face. The footage suggests his claims about the glasses were inaccurate, but he continued to insist loudly, even as officers attempted to seat him and escort him from the courtroom.
Following the hearing and the contempt ruling, Hopkins has closed his law firm. He did not respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment regarding either the courtroom incident or the closure of his firm.
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