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Defendant Shot Dead In Utah Courtroom

A defendant in a gang-related trial has been shot dead in court by a US marshal after authorities say he attempted to attack a witness.

Siale Angilau, 25, was shot several times as he lunged toward the witness stand with a pen in an "aggressive, threatening manner", the FBI said.

Agency spokesman Mark Dressen said Angilau suffered at least one chest wound and was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Perry Caldwell, who was in the courtroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, said he heard at least six shots.

Mr Caldwell said the witness, believed to be in his mid-20s, was testifying about gang initiation. He was not injured.

Mr Caldwell's daughter, Sara Jacobson, said: "It was kind of traumatising."

She was in the courtroom with her father to support Mr Caldwell's mother, who was set to testify about being punched in the face during a holdup in 2002.

Angilau was accused in a 29-count indictment filed in 2010 on charges of conspiracy, assault, robbery and weapons offences.

Sixteen other alleged gang members were also named in the indictment.

Angilau was also accused of assaulting a federal officer with a weapon in 2007.

His attorney declined to answer questions as he left the courthouse.

Mr Dressen said it is standard procedure for defendants not to be restrained while in the courtroom.