In a notable occurrence, Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are set to appear before Congress on Tuesday, marking their first such visit since 2019. This meeting follows the conclusion of a landmark term for the Supreme Court, and comes amidst heightened concerns over security threats to the judiciary.
The justices are scheduled to testify before a House appropriations committee as the judiciary seeks increased funding to enhance security measures. This move is in response to a rise in threats, including an incident in May involving a false emergency call directed at Justice Barrett’s residence.
Focus on Enhanced Security Measures
The Supreme Court is requesting a budget of $228 million for the upcoming fiscal year, marking an approximate 10% increase from the previous year. Of this amount, nearly $15 million is earmarked for bolstering personal security for the justices, including the addition of six more security agents per justice.
An additional $2 million is intended for the establishment of an off-site residential security post, which aims to expedite emergency responses, along with increasing the number of officers in the Supreme Court’s police force.
The U.S. Marshals Service, tasked with the protection of judges, reported 564 threats in the fiscal year ending September, reflecting an increase from the previous year. Although threats span across federal judges nationwide, the Supreme Court’s nine members have also been targets.
In a specific incident in May, Justice Barrett’s security team swiftly responded to a swatting call, a fake emergency call meant to trigger a police reaction. Her family was previously targeted in 2022 when her sister faced a bomb threat in Charleston, South Carolina, which was later determined to be unfounded.
Furthermore, in 2022, following the leak of a draft opinion regarding the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a suspect was apprehended near Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s residence, armed and intending harm. This incident highlighted the increasing risks faced by justices.
Chief Justice John Roberts has publicly spoken against these threats, emphasizing in a March speech that while criticism of judicial decisions is to be expected, personal attacks are “dangerous, and it’s got to stop.” [Source]
