Anna Hartz
Judges Face New Wave of Harassment
Others are reading now
Politics in the United States has become more polarized than ever.
In this tense environment, judges who rule against certain political interests are becoming targets.
Not just through angry words or social media, but now in more disturbing and personal ways.
Recently, several judges in the US have received unwanted pizza deliveries late at night, according to Digi24.
Also read
The deliveries weren’t about food. They were meant to send a message: we know where you live.
Most of these judges had blocked decisions pushed by former President Donald Trump. Their rulings made them targets for people who want revenge.
Judge Michelle Childs got one of those pizzas. She had ruled against Trump’s legal team, saying he couldn’t claim immunity from prosecution. At a conference, she said it was frightening. She didn’t think doing her job should come with fear.
The harassment hasn’t stopped at pizza. Judges’ families have been targeted too. Some of the food was ordered using the name of Daniel Anderl. He was the son of federal judge Esther Salas. In 2020, a man pretending to deliver a package shot and killed Daniel at his home. His father was badly wounded. Now, using Daniel’s name feels like another threat. Judge Salas said the message is clear: “We know where you and your family are.”
Reports show threats against judges have tripled in the last ten years. These include bomb threats, false emergencies, and online harassment. Judge James Boasberg was insulted by Trump for stopping a deportation order. Trump called him names and demanded he be removed. An influencer then posted details about Boasberg’s daughter and accused him of helping her keep her job.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s family has also been targeted. A false bomb threat was made to her sister’s house. Judge John Coughenour faced a “swatting” attack, where police storm a house after a fake emergency call.
Despite everything, many judges say they will keep doing their jobs. But they ask leaders to speak up. They want support for the rule of law and protection for democracy.