Houston federal court security officer dies from COVID-19
Houston TX April 8 2020 A longtime security officer who surveilled bags and briefcases at the entrance to Houston’s federal courthouse and stood guard at trials died of suspected COVID-19, officials said.
Brian Magee, 66, died early Monday at his home in Spring, according to the Harris County medical examiner’s office.
His symptoms were consistent with the disease caused by the new coronavirus, although test results have not come back yet.
“Just to see him brightened so many of my days,” said Sen. U.S. Judge Carolyn Dineen King of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court. “I will miss him.”
Several other Courthouse Security Officers are awaiting test results and some have self-quarantined due to symptoms or possible exposure, according to Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal.
Several officers are confirmed to have COVID-19 and a few others are suspected to have it but, with one exception, none have acute symptoms.
Magee worked as a CSO, the blue-coated emissaries whose job it is to ensure federal court buildings are safe.
They also handle an endless number of questions from the public and act as the front line of defense in association with the U.S. Marshal Service.
Many CSOs are retired police officers.