US Supreme Court justices face rising threats, seek more security funding
On Tuesday, US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett informed lawmakers about a significant rise in threats directed at her and fellow justices, which is increasingly affecting their personal lives and families. In a rare congressional appearance by justices, Barrett recounted a past incident where she had to bring home a bulletproof vest, a situation she found difficult to explain to her 12-year-old son. Alongside Justice Elena Kagan, she appeared before House and Senate appropriations panels to advocate for enhanced security funding for the Supreme Court. Kagan criticized the inflammatory political rhetoric. Judges nationwide are experiencing an uptick in violent threats, including fake emergency calls that lead to police raids and pizza deliveries linked to a judge's deceased son.
Key facts
- Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers about a sharp increase in threats targeting justices.
- Barrett had to take a bulletproof vest home a few years ago.
- She struggled to explain the bulletproof vest to her 12-year-old son.
- Barrett and Elena Kagan testified before appropriations panels in the House and Senate.
- They supported a request to increase security funding for the Supreme Court.
- Kagan condemned political rhetoric that turned up the temperature.
- Judges nationwide have seen a rise in threats, including fake emergency calls and pizza deliveries.
- The threats include incidents referencing a judge's murdered son.
Entities
Institutions
- US Supreme Court
- Congress
- House of Representatives
- Senate
Locations
- United States