In a display of unity concerning the safety of federal judiciary members, Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined forces with his peers across a wide political spectrum. A bipartisan coalition, featuring 44 state attorneys general, is loudly calling for increased financial backing to bolster the security framework that surrounds federal judges, their families, and courthouse staff. This move comes in light of a worrying surge in threats and hostile actions aimed at judicial figures, a situation that has only intensified over the years.
According to a recent announcement by Raoul's office, "The safety and independence of our judiciary is vital to democracy," a sentiment that underscores the gravity of this issue. Threats against federal judges have climbed alarmingly, more than doubling in a short time. The chilling fact is that these judges, alongside their kin, are being forced to live with the specter of fear clouding their lives. With security funding currently in a "hard freeze" status for two consecutive years, they are facing these threats without the benefit of adequate protective resources.
The request for additional funds is not merely a generic appeal for more money thrown at a vague security concept. Instead, this plea is targeted towards specific areas within the court's defense mechanism, including the salaries of court security officers and the upgrades for visual and physical monitoring systems. These enhancements are essential for the Judiciary’s Court Security program, which has been operating on fumes due to the aforementioned funding stagnation.
Funds are also sought for the Judiciary’s Vulnerability Management Program (VMP), crucial for the rollout of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act. This piece of legislation prohibits the sale of judges’ personally identifiable information by data brokers and allows judges and their families to request the removal of such information from websites. As referenced in the coalition's letter, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. has shed light on the rising tide of threats in his 2024 year-end report, a trend that, regrettably, has shown no signs of relenting into 2025, with over 100 judges reporting unsolicited and often intimidating deliveries at their homes.
The coalition, formed by attorneys general from 44 states, including territories like American Samoa and Guam, is united in its appeal to Congress, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of this call for funds. Highlighting the bipartisan nature of the request, Raoul is joined by colleagues across the full political spectrum from Alabama to Wyoming, from heavily urban jurisdictions like New York to the far reaches of the Northern Mariana Islands. This formidable roster underscores the common understanding that the judiciary's independence and well-being are paramount and transcend party lines. Proving that despite differences, when it comes to the fundamentals of our democracy’s infrastructure, there is still room for agreement and collective action.
