Hunter
10/05/25
An Iowa City man was arrested after threatening courthouse employees and assaulting police who attempted to arrest him later in the day.
The incident began Friday morning, when police say 42-year-old Thomas White, without cause, was confrontational with deputies, cursing and using racial slurs while they were entering the courthouse. Because of his behavior and stating that he could do what he wanted, White was denied access to the courthouse. He allegedly responded by hitting courthouse windows and threatening staff by saying they were all going to die. While being escorted off the property, White reportedly threatened to find where deputies lived and kill them. He stated that he would be returning the next day, would not be stopped, and would commit murder.
He also reportedly called 911 and stated that he was going to kill government officials.
A warrant was issued for White’s arrest, and he was located near the Coralville Kum & Go at approximately 4:51pm that day. Arrest reports indicate White assaulted an officer by swinging and striking them in the face with a portable speaker. He also pried and gouged an officer’s eyes with his fingers. The officer suffered scratches, abrasions cuts and pain due to the incident.
White faces numerous charges, including Disorderly Conduct, False 911 Call, and two counts of 1st degree Harassment for the morning incident, and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations with Intent to cause Injury and Interference with Official Acts causing Bodily Injury. If convicted on all counts, White could be convicted to over 19 years in prison.
A no-contact order between White and courthouse employees was requested.