Judges report escalating threats affecting their safety

Federal judges are increasingly worried for their safety due to a rise in online threats. These threats are especially directed at judges involved in high-profile cases related to the Trump administration. One particular incident occurred after President Trump called for the impeachment of a federal judge who ruled against his administration on deportation flights. Following this, social media erupted with taunts and threats, including disturbing images of judges being taken away in handcuffs. This situation has escalated recently, as a significant threat was made against Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's family. Police were sent to her sister's home in Charleston, S.C., after an email claimed there was a bomb in her mailbox. Thankfully, the bomb was a hoax. However, judges report that the intimidation they and their families face is very real. The current climate is alarming for many in the judiciary. They are dealing with crucial decisions about the legality of Trump administration policies. Judge Esther Salas, who lost her 20-year-old son to violence in 2020, expressed deep concern. “I feel like people are playing Russian roulette with our lives,” she said, highlighting the seriousness of the ongoing threats.