The Florida Supreme Court has unsealed security footage of a now-suspended Broward circuit judge seen wrapping her hands around a court employee's neck.

The high court directed the video to be unsealed shortly after issuing an order suspending  Broward Circuit Judge Vegina “Gina” T. Hawkins for the conduct shown, beginning at the 54 second timestamp.

The incident took place June 11 and allegedly stemmed from Hawkins' displeasure with her afternoon docket not being prepared as expected.

Hawkins suggested she was joking. It's unclear from the camera angle if the courthouse employee is smiling on tape at the beginning of their interaction, when the judge places her hand around his neck. Hawkins testified she and the employee had a “fairly friendly” relationship and the gesture was made “in jest.”

The Florida Supreme Court Friday suspended Hawkins without pay.

|

Click here to watch the full video.

Related stories: