Wow. Good thing the judge was prepared to defend himself.

A US judge in Ohio has fatally shot a gunman who critically wounded him in an ambush-style attack outside court.

Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr was shot several times just after 08:00 local time (12:00 GMT) in Steubenville on Monday morning.

Sheriff Fred Abdalla told reporters the attacker and the judge exchanged about five shots each.

A court officer also fired several shots at the suspect.

The Jefferson County prosecutor identified the attacker as Nathaniel Richmond, but said they had not yet identified a motive.

Mr Richmond is the father of Ma’Lik Richmond, a high school football player whose rape conviction made national headlines in the 2012.

Prosecutor Jane Hanlin said there is no connection between Judge Bruzzese and that rape case.