Supreme Court Justices Testify on Security Needs
Justice Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Supreme Court has urged for more funding for security measures aimed at judiciary members after experiencing “appalling and violent” threats against her family.
Barrett, along with Justice Elena Kagan, appeared together before Congress, which is notable as this is the first time sitting justices have provided testimony on Capitol Hill since 2019.
During their appearance before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Barrett spoke about how the increasingly hostile environment is affecting children connected to justices. This testimony coincides with the court’s request for a 10% budget increase for fiscal year 2027, totaling $228.3 million. A significant portion of this budget, $14.6 million, is intended for security enhancements to protect judges and their families.
“The security guard put a bulletproof vest on me and sent me home,” Barrett recounted. “I carried it home, put it in my bedroom, dropped it on the table, and turned around, only to find my 12-year-old son standing there. He was curious about what I had and why. Honestly, I didn’t know how to respond. It’s tough; it forces my kids to confront fears they shouldn’t have to face,” she explained.
Both justices highlighted that these threats have a personal impact, emphasizing how they affect their everyday lives and families.
Kagan noted, “Supreme Court Police are seeing a significant annual increase in threats—38% this year after a 25% rise last year. For some of us, these threats feel alarmingly close, and we carry that awareness with us every day.”
Barrett also shared a recent unsettling incident where her family was targeted in a swatting attack, which involved a false report of gunfire at their home, prompting a major police response. When her teenage son opened the door for a friend, he was met with a scene filled with police cars. Thankfully, SCOTUS officers on-site were able to explain that the call was a hoax before any real damage could occur.
Other judges have echoed the call for increased security, highlighting that rising online harassment and intimidation tactics add urgency to these needs. There have been disturbing reports of swatting and unsolicited deliveries of potentially harmful items. Barrett specifically pointed out that some of these deliveries have been made in the name of Daniel Anderle, the son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, who was tragically killed by a lawyer pretending to be a delivery driver in 2020.
This situation pushed forward the enactment of both New Jersey’s “Daniel’s Law” and the federal Daniel Andahl Judicial Security and Privacy Act, aimed at safeguarding the personal information of judges and legislators. Nevertheless, Kagan insisted that despite the growing threats, the court remains committed to making impartial decisions. “We will continue to decide cases without fear or favor,” she affirmed.
