Father who lunged at Nassar in court: 'I lost control'

(WJBK) - The father of three survivors who lunged at Larry Nassar during his sentencing hearing spoke to the press Friday to express his remorse and explain his mindset.

Early Friday morning, two of Randall Margraves' daughters gave their victim impact speeches at Nassar's sentencing hearing in Eaton County for his sexual abuse charges while employed at Twistars, a gymnastics club in Dimondale, Mich. The third sister spoke at Nassar's previous hearing, where he was sentenced to 40-175 years in prison.

Father who lunged at Nassar in court released

After the young women were finished, Randall was given an opportunity to speak to Nassar, first calling him 'a son of b----' and the judge reprimanded him for swearing. 

Then he asked the judge for five minutes alone in a locked room "with this demon." As the judge denied his request and began to explain how the legal system worked, Randall suddenly lunged toward Nassar. He was restrained by several officers as crying was heard in the courtroom, pinned to the ground, then escorted out in handcuffs. 

At an emergency contempt of court hearing, he apologized for his behavior and the judge decided not to charge him. However, the Eaton County Sheriff's Office is still investigating and is expected to hand it over to the prosecutor's office, who can decide whether or not to pursue charges.

The family and an attorney held a press conference Friday evening around 5:30 p.m. to address the matter. First the lawyer explained how emotional the case has been.

"Emotions run high. Emotions overtook him when he heard facts surrounding his daughters for the first time," he said.

First one of his daughters, Morgan, took to the podium to explain the situation from her perspective. She says she doesn't know many people who would want to talk to their fathers in such detail about their sexual abuse.

"It was hard for my dad to hear what we experienced. ... He reacted in a way I feel like most fathers would've done and probably wanted to do," she said.

Randall himself then addressed the public.

"I am no hero. My daughters are the heroes, and all the victims and the survivors of this terrible atrocity," he began.

He explained that the attack was not planned.

"When I had to hear what was said those statements and I have to look over at Larry Nassar shaking his head that when I lost control," he said.

Again expressing his remorse for his action, Randall says he appreciates the judicial system showing him some leniency and he is "embarrassed about the situation." 

You can watch the press conference below: