DENVER (AP) — Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes was seated in the jury box during his first court hearing out of concerns for his safety.

Court documents released Monday show that deputies seated Holmes away from the defense table during his July 23 hearing at the request of the sheriff’s office.

Defense attorney Daniel King wrote that authorities “expressed concerns for Mr. Holmes’ safety due to the apparent presence, statements and behavior of individuals in the audience of the courtroom.”

Family of victims and victims, as well as the media packed the first hearing. At least two of men didn’t take their eyes off of Holmes during the entire hearing.

King had argued that seating Holmes separately would give the impression that Holmes was expressing threats or exhibiting dangerous behavior.

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