US judges face rising intimidation, from swatting calls to threatening deliveries
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett and other judges have been targeted by swatting, threatening packages and online harassment, reflecting a sharp rise in security incidents against the judiciary.
An anonymous tip in May led police to Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Fairfax home, only to discover a swatting hoax that filled the street with law-enforcement vehicles. Barrett recounted the episode during a House committee hearing and noted similar intimidation tactics, such as threatening anonymous deliveries. Data from the U.S. Marshals Service indicates a 57% increase in notable security incidents in fiscal year 2025, with threats ranging from swatting to pizza doxxing and online harassment.
The nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice interviewed more than 30 sitting and retired judges, uncovering cases of hundreds of threatening calls, posted home blueprints and elaborate safety drills. Judges attribute the escalation to high-profile litigation, especially cases involving the Trump administration, and to incendiary statements from political leaders and media personalities. The study warns that such pressure threatens judicial independence and could influence future rulings.
Why it matters
Increasing threats undermine the safety of judges and could erode the independence of the U.S. judiciary.
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