Federal judges are considering a significant plan to take control of their own protection amid rising concerns about safety and hostility. The proposal, discussed among about 50 judges at a recent conference, suggests that armed security personnel currently managed by the Department of Justice (DoJ) be placed directly under judicial control.
The idea emerged during a twice-yearly judicial conference where participants expressed alarm over the increase in threats directed at judges, particularly following former President Donald Trump’s repeated critiques of rulings unfavorable to him. Judges are worried that such public attacks, which have escalated in intensity, might impact their safety.
Presently, judges receive protection from the U.S. Marshals Service, which falls under the oversight of the attorney general, a position currently held by Pam Bondi, a noted Trump ally. This relationship raises concerns among judges about potential political influences on their security. Participants at the conference indicated that a shift to judiciary oversight might ensure more robust and impartial protection.
Chief Justice John Roberts could potentially become the head of a reorganized marshals service that would operate under judicial authority. This transition is seen as a way to alleviate fears that security could be rescinded based on judicial rulings that conflict with the administration’s interests.
John Coughenour, a federal judge in Washington state, voiced strong support for this proposal, stating that, historically, he had no reason to doubt the marshals’ commitment to their safety until recent events prompted concern. As one of many judges facing threats, Coughenour recently dealt with a swatting incident, a dangerous situation initiated by false reports that resulted in a SWAT team responding to his home.
The environment has spurred serious discussions about the safety of federal judges, especially as several have encountered intense backlash for ruling against Trump’s initiatives. In recent months, judges have found themselves at the center of high-profile legal battles including issues surrounding immigration policy and citizenship rights.
Federal officials, including senior Democrats, have reported rising intimidation tactics aimed at judges, including unsolicited deliveries to their homes that suggest their addresses are known and could be targeted. Such actions raise alarms about the impact of public rhetoric on judge safety and the appropriate boundaries necessary for a functioning justice system.
Trump has not shied away from attacking judges publicly, using his social media platform to criticize judges who place legal constraints on his administration’s policies. These comments have further strained the already fraught relationship between the executive and the judiciary, raising concerns about potential threats to judges’ impartiality and safety.
The Justice Department has defended the current protective measures in place for federal judges. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that judges remain safe from harm and dismissed any suggestions to the contrary as unfounded.
As the threat climate continues to evolve, the conversation around judicial security has become increasingly pertinent, highlighting the challenges both within the courtroom and the broader political landscape in which these judges operate.
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