At 10:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, a cobblestone brick was hurled at the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse in Center City Philadelphia. The impact shattered two windows, scattering shards across the courthouse steps and leaving a noticeable trail of broken glass on the sidewalk. The brick itself was found abandoned at the intersection of 6th and Market, the courthouse’s front entrance, providing investigators with a tangible clue to the act of vandalism. The courthouse is a federal facility located in Philadelphia’s downtown.
Authorities confirmed that the vandalism occurred earlier this week, with a single cobblestone brick being thrown with enough force to break two separate windows of the federal courthouse. The broken panes fell to the street below, creating a hazardous scene for pedestrians and courthouse staff. The damage was limited to the windows; no other parts of the building were reported as affected. The incident was reported by authorities who confirmed the damage.
The U.S. Marshals Service issued a brief statement on its social media account, noting the time of the incident—around 10:30 p.m. on Monday—and the location of the damage. The post also mentioned that the brick was left at the scene, which has become a key element in the ongoing investigation. The U.S. Marshals Service’s post was shared on its official social media account.
Investigators are currently reviewing video surveillance footage from the area in hopes of identifying the individual or individuals responsible for the act of vandalism. The review includes cameras operated by the courthouse, nearby businesses, and city traffic cameras that cover 6th and Market. By analyzing the footage, investigators aim to trace the trajectory of the brick and pinpoint the source of the throw. The footage may help identify the suspect’s location at the time of the throw.
The presence of the abandoned brick at the scene offers a tangible clue that may help narrow the list of potential suspects. The brick’s placement near the courthouse’s front entrance provides a clear point of reference for investigators examining the footage. The investigators are hoping to use the footage to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the vandalism.
Security footage from the courthouse’s front entrance captured the moment the brick struck the windows, but the footage is still being examined for details. The footage may reveal the angle and speed of the throw, which could assist in determining the suspect’s position at the time. The investigators are reviewing footage from multiple angles to build a comprehensive picture of the incident.
The U.S. Marshals Service’s social media post was brief, focusing solely on the time, location, and the fact that the brick was left at the scene.
The courthouse’s front entrance at 6th and Market is a key point of access for federal court proceedings.
Investigators are working to determine who carried out the vandalism and to prevent further damage to the federal courthouse. The case remains open as authorities continue to analyze the available evidence. The investigators hope that the review of surveillance footage will lead to a suspect.
Overall, the vandalism at the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse involved a single cobblestone brick thrown at two windows, leaving a trail of broken glass and an abandoned brick at the scene. The U.S. Marshals Service posted a brief update on social media, noting the time and location of the damage. Investigators are reviewing video footage to identify the suspect and prevent future incidents.
