Federal Courthouse Shooting Leaves Trespasser Wounded

San Francisco court security officer fired seven shots at knife-wielding man who allegedly advanced on guard.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A federal court security officer in San Francisco shot and wounded a 35-year-old man who allegedly advanced toward the guard while wielding a knife, according to court records. The incident occurred at the federal courthouse but was not publicly revealed until prosecutors recently filed charges against the wounded man.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about security protocols and the use of force at federal courthouses, which are intended to be safe and secure public spaces. The shooting also highlights the challenges court officials face in dealing with potentially dangerous trespassers.

The details

The security officer fired a total of seven shots at Zachary, the 35-year-old man who allegedly approached the guard with a knife. The incident occurred at the federal courthouse in San Francisco, but details were not made public until prosecutors filed charges against Zachary.

  • The shooting incident took place on February 19, 2026.

The players

Zachary

A 35-year-old man who allegedly advanced toward a federal court security officer while wielding a knife.

Federal Court Security Officer

The officer who fired seven shots at Zachary after he allegedly approached with a knife.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and security of our federal courthouses, which are critical public spaces that must remain safe and accessible to all.”

— U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Prosecutors will determine whether the security officer's use of force was justified, and Zachary will face charges for the alleged trespassing and threatening behavior.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for robust security protocols and de-escalation training to protect federal courthouses and the public, while also ensuring the appropriate use of force by authorities.