Harford County Circuit Judge Kevin Mahoney issued a security order Thursday banning electronic devices in the courtroom during the trial of Jaylen Prince, who is charged with fatally shooting fellow Joppatowne High student Warren Grant. The ban came after photos and threats were posted on social media of people testifying at the trial.

Witnesses testified at the trial that Prince, 16, of Edgewood, and Grant, 15, got into an argument over a girl on Sept. 6 in the school’s bathroom. Prince then pulled a handgun from his backpack and shot Grant once, killing him, witnesses testified.

Prince is charged as an adult with first-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony for Grant’s death.

Thursday’s supplemental security order stems from “photos taken inside the courtroom” during Wednesday’s proceedings, which included accounts from fellow students who were inside the bathroom when the shooting occurred, Harford County State’s Attorney Alison Healey said.

Before the start of the trial Thursday, Mahoney addressed the gallery — which was full of friends and family of both Grant and Prince — and said that threats were made during and after Wednesday’s proceedings. He denounced the threats and told the courtroom that no acts of violence or threats will be tolerated and that criminal charges could be pursued for violators.

As the trial progressed Thursday, officials with the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office could be heard talking about a social media post on an Instagram account. Conversations between court police officers and state’s attorney personnel grew substantially during breaks in the proceedings until a group of young men left the courtroom and did not return.

Outside the courtroom, members of the media were informed by attendees that images of witnesses testifying were allegedly taken and posted on social media.

Healey said that she did not have a chance to look into the matter but said she could confirm that images were taken in the courtroom. She said the matter is under investigation.

Mahoney’s order took effect Friday and will prohibit anyone who is not credentialed media member from bringing an electronic device into the courtroom.

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