So many officers attended Tuesday's proceedings, they didn't all fit in the courtroom.
Police filled an Atlantic County Superior Courtroom on Tuesday afternoon, as the two men accused in a shooting that critically wounded a young veteran made their first court appearances.
Martel Chisolm, 29, and Demetris Cook, 28, face two counts of attempted murder, three counts of armed robbery and other offenses.
They along with Jerome Damon, 29, allegedly were armed when they attempted to rob three men on an Atlantic City street.
Officer Joshlee Vadell was struck in the head as he exited his patrol car to approach them. His partner, whose name has not been released, returned fire, killing Damon.
The courtroom was overflowing Tuesday, as police in uniform, plain clothes and even those retired came to show their support.
"He has his immediate family. And we feel like we're his larger family, " Atlantic City PBA President Matt Rogers, who promised there would be a large presence whenever the case is in court.
The defendants came out separately, both with a large presence of sheriff's officers surrounding them.
After having the charges read to him, Chisolm told Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury that he did not yet have an attorney.
When asked if he wanted the charges read, Cook replied: "No thank you."
He at first said he had hired an attorney, but then seemed to become confused. He then said he wasn't sure.
"We love you, D!" called some loved ones from the back of the courtroom as he was led out.
The two men are being held on $750,000 full cash bail each.
