A top Colorado prosecutor is facing a recall effort after her office announced it would drop all charges against a transgender sex offender accused of attempting to abduct a child from an elementary school last year.
Amy Padden, the Democratic District Attorney for Colorado’s 18th Judicial District, drew widespread outrage after her office said it had no choice but to drop the case against Solomon Galligan, 33, who was found mentally incompetent to stand trial.
Galligan — a registered sex offender — was arrested in April 2024 after allegedly attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old boy from Black Forest Hills Elementary School in Aurora. Surveillance footage showed a man chasing and grabbing at children during recess before being subdued by school staff.
Despite the severity of the incident, Padden’s office said that under Colorado law, they were required to drop criminal charges once Galligan was ruled incompetent and committed to a mental health facility.
“When a defendant is found mentally incompetent to proceed and is being civilly committed for mental health treatment, we are legally obligated to dismiss charges,” said spokesman Eric Ross.
Galligan will reportedly be transferred to an undisclosed mental health institution and will not be released into the general public, officials said.
Recall Effort Launched
Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky, a Republican, said a formal recall effort against DA Padden is underway and will begin this week.
“The conduct of the 18th DA over the past six months is beyond deplorable. This is simply the icing on the cake,” Jurinsky told reporters.“The progressive attitude will not be tolerated. Amy Padden will be recalled for her part in not upholding the laws and punishing criminals.”
The case has further inflamed tensions in Colorado over public safety, mental health laws, and progressive prosecution policies.
Who Is Solomon Galligan?
Galligan is a biological male who identifies as transgender and previously posted on Facebook in 2011 about a gender transition. Family members told media outlets that Galligan suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and has multiple prior arrests.
“This has been like the fourth time that we’re sitting here thinking, ‘How the hell did he get released? Who’s letting him out?’” said Amanda Morris, Galligan’s niece.
Following the 2024 playground incident, the school district replaced the principal of Black Forest Hills and overhauled security policies after widespread criticism.
Dude looks like he walked out of a zombie apocalypse!