Amid a swelling tide of threats against the judiciary, more than 70% of federal judges have opted into a specialized program designed to fortify their residential security, revealed Ronald Davis, the head of the U.S. Marshals Service. In a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, Davis emphasized the urgent need to safeguard judges and Supreme Court justices, underscoring the perilous risk posed to democracy by the current threat landscape.
The disclosure comes on the heels of a concerning escalation in threats recorded by the agency, with serious incidents targeting federal judges skyrocketing to 457 in the last fiscal year, up from 224 in 2021. This surge coincides with a turbulent period in American politics, marked by highly contentious legal battles surrounding the 2020 presidential election, notably including unsuccessful attempts to challenge its outcome.
Illustrating the gravity of these threats, Davis cited instances such as the arrest of a Texas woman for allegedly threatening U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan and an armed individual’s attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. These chilling events underscore the imperative to bolster security measures for judicial officers.
Efforts to fortify protection for federal judges gained momentum following a tragic incident in 2020 when the son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas was fatally shot by a disgruntled lawyer at her New Jersey residence. In response, the U.S. Marshals Service has offered an electronic security system since 2005, providing participating judges with intrusion detection equipment, maintenance, and monitoring services for their homes.
However, a 2021 report by the U.S. Department of Justice’s inspector general identified shortcomings in the program, including outdated equipment options that could deter judges from participating. Acknowledging these concerns, the agency pledged to enhance the program and integrate cutting-edge technologies to ensure optimal security for judges and their families.
As the judiciary grapples with mounting threats, the embrace of enhanced security measures underscores a proactive approach to safeguarding the cornerstone of American democracy.
