STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- Chaos erupted in a Jefferson County courtroom on Monday when a murder victim’s father attacked the defendant.

Michael Sweat plunged toward Antonio Clifford, the man who pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in death of Joshua Sweat.

It happened in the blink of an eye.

Michael Sweat was set to walk to the stand to give his victim impact statement.

Instead, he plunged toward the defendant and put his hands around Clifford's neck.

NEWS9 crews talked with Sheriff Fred Abdalla, who was the first to get to Sweat in the courtroom.

"As he was lunging across the table to get him, that's when I was able to reach down and stop him,” said Abdalla. “…get him over there, and get him thrown on the floor."

Even with extra security in the courtroom like the judge had in this case, Abdalla said you can't predict what will happen.

"This would've happened anywhere today,” said Abdalla. “ If this individual was on trial in any court in the U.S., this would've happened."

In the end, no deputies or officers were left injured, and that's why Abdalla said he didn't arrest sweat.

"Due to the circumstances, no one was hurt, out of frustration he reacted,” said Abdalla. “And we were ready for that. We anticipated that would happen."

NEWS9 talked with Judge Joe Bruzzese on Monday evening.

He said nothing this intense has ever happened inside his courtroom, and that officers handled the situation well.

Bruzzese also said in future cases that are as highly emotional as these, he will recommend people give their statements from behind the bar, near the gallery.

Natalie Pasquarella, NEWS9