GRAND FORKS, ND -- A new chapter in a story that forever shook the community.

A quarter of a century ago, Reuben Ray Larson shot a judge in a Grand Forks courtroom.

On Thursday, March 16, Larson will walk out of the Missouri River Correctional Center a free man.

This was the scene outside the Grand Forks County courthouse after former city councilman Reuben Larson shot judge Lawrence Jahnke during a child support hearing in 1992.

Larson was sentenced to 26 years for attempted murder, but because of parole will be released after serving just under 25.

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Jahnke: “I saw a hand coming over the top, with a pistol in it, aimed in my general direction... and a second shot was fired.”

Jahnke eventually went back to the bench after a brutal 7 hour surgery.

The now 74-year-old retired judge said, "I hope that Mr. Larson has a smooth transition and integration into whatever community he chooses to relocate to. He's completed the consequences of his action, and I wish him well."

The shooting put the spotlight on the topic of security in courthouses.

In the decades since the incident, several security features have been added to the Grand Forks County Courthouse.

Lt. BJ Maxson: "We've added the magnetometer at the front door, as well as a full time deputy that works at the courthouse at the magnetometer. We've narrowed it down to just one entrance and exit point in the courthouse, the front door obviously. Some other alarm systems throughout the building to help ensure the safety of the workers and the public."

Progress that has occurred in the years since Jahnke called efforts to upgrade security in Grand Forks a "Band-Aid". But deputies now say it still might not be enough.

"In today's day and time you can never have it narrowed down to where you're going to do A, B and C, because you never know what's going to pop up. So, while you have to have stringent guidelines, I guess is a good word for it, you also have to be flexible enough to think on the go and think on your feet," says Maxson.

May 5th will mark the 25th anniversary of the shooting.