Suspect’s lawyer describes Minn. courthouse attack

Published 11:09 am Friday, December 16, 2011

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — The attorney for a man accused of shooting a prosecutor and another man in a Minnesota courthouse says he dragged one bleeding victim to safety before re-entering the courthouse to warn workers.

John Lillie III told the Star Tribune (http://bit.ly/satj4y) he was speaking to client Daniel S. Schlienz’s mother minutes after Schlienz was convicted of sexual misconduct when he heard a shot ring out inside the Cook County courthouse.

Lillie says he dragged wounded Grand Marais resident Gregory Thompson outside before re-entering the courthouse to warn workers. He says County Attorney Tim Scannell was bleeding from three gunshot wounds and he wrapped Scannell’s belt around his leg to stanch the bleeding.

Schlienz is in custody. Scannell was listed in fair condition Friday and Thompson was in good condition.