An inmate at Broward County bond court punched a public defender in the head on Wednesday morning.

His victim was Fort Lauderdale lawyer Julie Chase.

Staff wasted no time in restraining the attacker, who was captured on video approaching Chase from behind with a left hook in a crowded waiting area. Nearby inmates recoiled in shock, while they waited for a judge to set their bond and release conditions. Bailiffs then moved in to drag the man away.

Meanwhile, having seen the assault via a remote video line, dismayed Broward Circuit Judge Jackie Powell paused proceedings to ask, “Is Ms. Chase OK?”

Click here to watch the video

According to the Sun Sentinel, which broke the story, William L. Green, 27, was awaiting a hearing after his arrest for a battery charge in a mental health care center.

Broward Public Defender Howard Finkelstein was not happy that Green was moved from the facility.

“This should not have happened,” Finkelstein said. “The defendant should not have been brought to the jail, but once there, security should have been provided based on what [the Broward Sheriff's Office] knew about him and his arrest, yet they did not provide adequate or any security.”

According to Finkelstein, it's not clear whether Green had been appointed a lawyer yet.

Chase was admitted to Broward Health Medical Center and told reporters she was OK as she left. Chase has served as a public defender since her admission to the bar in 2005 and has a law degree from Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad College of Law, according to her Florida Bar profile.

Chief Assistant Public Defender Gordon Weekes told the Sun Sentinel that Chase is “a very dedicated attorney” and also questioned why the defendant was allowed near the attorney in the first place after having been arrested for attacking a hospital technician in a similar way.

In an emailed statement, Chase said the criminal justice system is “poorly suited to deal with the needs of the mentally ill” and called for action. She also thanked colleagues, the media and the community for their concern.

“As one might expect a day after taking a hard blow to the head, I'm experiencing a fair amount of discomfort and pain,” Chase said. “At this point, thankfully, it appears the physical consequences of the attack will improve as they should. The often-played video of me being hit is, of course, difficult to watch for me and my loved ones.”