U.S. marshal: Courthouse security followed procedure prior to courtroom suicide The U.S. Marshals Service headquarters has put this investigation at the top of its list given the security concern, and hopes to complete it within a week or two. Written By: Matt Henson | × An EMT enters the federal courthouse in downtown Fargo after a man cut his throat in the courtroom. Matt Henson / WDAY FARGO — Citing security concerns, the FBI will not say what 55-year-old Jeffrey Ferris sneaked pass security Monday, May 17, other than it was an "easily concealable instrument," sharp enough to cut his throat open. "On the surface, it appears everything was working and everything was done properly," said Dallas Carlson, the U.S. marshal for North Dakota, who oversees security at the courthouse.