Threats Against Supreme Court Justices Highlighted
Justice Amy Coney Barrett recently addressed the House Appropriations Committee, expressing concern about the rising threats against her and other Supreme Court justices, emphasizing the negative impact on their children.
During her testimony, Barrett shared a personal experience about being required to wear a bulletproof vest. This uncomfortable situation unfolded when her 12-year-old son, curious about the vest, asked her what it was for. She admitted not knowing how to explain it, reflecting on how surreal it felt to be in a position where she had to answer such a question related to safety.
This testimony comes at a time when the Supreme Court is seeking a 10% increase in its budget for 2027, with a significant portion aimed at enhancing the security of the justices.
Barrett, recalling a swatting incident from May, described how the leaked 2022 Dobbs decision—determining that abortion is not a constitutional right—has led to intensified threats. In that instance, a false report of gunshots at her home sent police to her neighborhood, shocking her teenage son and his friend who first encountered the police presence.
Despite the chaos, Barrett felt relieved that Supreme Court police were on-site to manage the situation, preventing the county police from entering her home without adequate cause.
Furthermore, Barrett mentioned receiving anonymous packages addressed to her, referencing Daniel Anderle, the son of Judge Esther Salas, who was tragically murdered in 2020. The perpetrator had disguised as a delivery driver, targeting Salas, and left her husband severely injured.
She noted that the trend of anonymous deliveries posed a serious threat, confirming Justice Kagan’s assertion that such dangers are not taken lightly as federal judges continue their work amid heightened risks.
During the session, it was revealed that personal security costs for the Supreme Court totals approximately $89 million, largely due to a sharp 35% increase in threats against justices in just the past year. Kagan indicated that the escalating security measures stem from a decade-long awareness of the dangers, particularly intensified after Justice Antonin Scalia’s death in 2016.
Reflecting on past approaches to security, Kagan noted that prior to 2010, justices did not have personal protection at all times, relying mainly on courthouse police. The push for enhanced safety was galvanized after discussions with congressional members about justice security protocols, a topic that was tragically underscored following recent events.
Ultimately, both Barrett and Kagan’s testimonies highlight the pressing need for improved safety measures as they navigate their responsibilities amidst heightened threats.
