Swatting Incident Targeting Justice Barrett’s Family

During her testimony before Congress, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett shared a harrowing experience where her family was the victim of a swatting incident.

A police report from May indicated a “high-priority resident” was involved, prompting speculation that Barrett was the target of these false reports. Barrett recounted a particular moment that was both alarming and surreal.

“When one of my teenage sons opened the door to go out with friends, the street was filled with police cars responding to a false alarm of gunshots,” she said, illustrating the panic that unfolded.

In light of increasing threats to judges, the Supreme Court is urging Congress to boost security funding. Barrett, alongside Justice Elena Kagan, addressed the House Appropriations Subcommittee to advocate for an additional $20.5 million, raising total funding requests to $228.4 million.

“Maybe I’m unimaginative, but I never thought serving in this role would lead to conversations with my kids about bulletproof vests and why they might need to wear one,” Barrett added, reflecting on the unexpected realities of her position.

She explained that the police had arrived at her home due to a hoax shooting, but her security team managed to calm the situation effectively. “I’m so grateful that the Supreme Court police were there. They halted the county police and explained it was a false alarm, which prevented them from entering our home,” she noted.

Reports also indicate a rising number of threats against judges. Since October 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service has recorded 370 threats against federal judges, raising serious concerns about their safety.

Lawmakers have responded positively to the judges’ testimonies, given that many have also faced threats. In a particularly alarming case, a man was arrested near Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s home, allegedly armed and equipped with kidnapping tools.