A chilling statement, “We have your dog,” preceded a violent shooting that left an Indiana judge and his wife injured at their home on Sunday.
On Sunday at around 2:17 p.m., Judge Steven Meyer of Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2 and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, were shot at their residence in Lafayette, a small city roughly 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis. According to 911 audio obtained by Fox News, the unidentified shooter knocked on their door before making the disturbing remark and opening fire through it.
Both survived the incident, with Steven hit in the arm and Kimberly in the hip, and they are now in stable condition as multiple law enforcement agencies investigate.
The investigation involves the Lafayette Police Department, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, West Lafayette Police Department, Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office, and the FBI. Shell casings were recovered at the scene, but no suspect description has been released, as the Daily Caller reported. The 911 call has raised questions about whether more than one person may have been involved.
The issue has sparked debate over the safety of public officials in today’s volatile climate. What kind of twisted mind uses a line like “We have your dog” as a prelude to gunfire? It’s a grim reminder that those who serve in our justice system often face unseen dangers.
Let’s be clear: judges like Steven Meyer, who has served for over a decade on the bench handling serious criminal cases, including murders, are not just paper-pushers. They stand on the front lines of law and order, often making enemies of those who despise accountability. This incident, whether a targeted act or a cruel trick, underscores a growing disregard for authority.
Kimberly Meyer, speaking through the Lafayette Police Department, expressed gratitude for the support. “I have great confidence in the Lafayette Police Department's investigation and want to thank all the agencies involved for their work,” she said. “We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community; everyone has been so kind and compassionate.”
Her words highlight a community rallying together, but they also beg the question: how did we get to a point where a judge’s family isn’t safe in their own home? The progressive push to downplay crime and soften penalties in recent years hasn’t helped matters. When consequences vanish, chaos creeps in.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski called the act “senseless” and vowed that “every available resource” would be used to track down the culprit. That’s the kind of resolve we need, not empty platitudes or excuses about systemic issues. Justice must be swift and certain.
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush also weighed in, addressing judges statewide with a sobering message. “I worry about the safety of all our judges,” she said. Her concern is valid—public servants shouldn’t have to look over their shoulder every time they answer the door.
Rush’s statement cuts deeper when you consider Steven Meyer’s long career serving Lafayette. Before his judgeship, which began after a tight 2014 race as a Democrat with 51% of the vote, he spent over 30 years practicing law and even served on the Lafayette City Council. This isn’t just an attack on a man; it’s an attack on a pillar of the community.
Now, with Meyer’s current term running until 2026, court officials are scrambling to arrange temporary coverage for his duties. He handles everything from family law to major criminal cases—work that doesn’t stop just because of a bullet. It’s a stark illustration of how one act of violence ripples outward.
The uncertainty around the shooter’s words—whether a ruse or a real threat—adds another layer of unease. Was this a personal vendetta tied to Meyer’s rulings, or a random act meant to terrorize? Either way, it’s a wake-up call to prioritize the protection of those who uphold our laws.
Multiple agencies are combing through evidence, and the public deserves answers soon. The fact that no suspect has been identified yet is frustrating, but it also speaks to the complexity of a case where even the number of perpetrators isn’t clear. Patience is necessary, but so is urgency.
This shooting isn’t just a local story; it’s a national cautionary tale. When the rule of law is under siege—whether through violence or the erosion of traditional values—everyone suffers. We can’t let fear dictate the lives of those who serve, nor can we ignore the cultural shifts that embolden such acts.
As Lafayette waits for justice, the Meyers’ resilience stands out amidst the darkness. Their survival, and the community’s support, are glimmers of hope in a troubling time. Let’s hope the investigation yields results before another family faces such a nightmare.
