An Atlanta Superior Court judge was shot and killed in the courthouse today along with the court reporter. Two deputies were wounded in the incident before the suspect got away in a vehicle he carjacked.

Judge Roland Barnes was shot on the eighth floor of the Fulton County Courthouse building shortly after 9:00 AM this morning.

The suspect has been identified as Brian Nichols, 34, who had previously been charged with rape. Authorities believe that Nichols wrested the gun away from a court officer and began shooting. The motive for the killing has not been established.

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor interrupted the state senate to announce Judge Barnes's death. 'It appears that Superior Court Judge Roland Barnes has lost his life, along with his court reporter,' Taylor informed the senate.

The suspect also reportedly assaulted a reporter Don O'Briant of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution outside of the courthouse. He was taken to a local hospital.

The search for the carjacked vehicle and its driver continue as Georgia authorities remain on high alert.