Threats against prosecutors and judges in the United States have reached an alarming level, with experts attributing the rise in intimidation and violence to the current political climate, growing polarization, and the spread of misinformation on social media. The increase in threats has been particularly pronounced in cases involving former President Donald Trump. The New York and Georgia criminal cases against Trump, which had high-profile hearings today, have put prosecutors in these cases at risk.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, which is responsible for protecting federal judges, the number of threats against federal judges has more than doubled in the past three years. In the fiscal year ending in September 2023, the service recorded 457 serious threats against federal judges, compared to 224 threats in fiscal year 2021. Threats against federal prosecutors have also more than doubled during this period.
The chilling environment surrounding these cases is evidenced by recent incidents. A Texas woman was recently sentenced for leaving threatening voicemails, stating her intention to assassinate U.S. District Judge Eileen Cannon in front of her family. Judge Cannon is overseeing a federal case involving Trump in the Mar-a-Lago documents investigation. In Washington, Judge Tanya Chutkin, presiding over Trump's federal election subversion case, has received at least one death threat and has been provided increased protection since taking on his case. Moreover, Judge Chutkin has been subject to swatting, a dangerous prank involving false reports made to law enforcement to draw a response.
The threats and acts of violence against judges and prosecutors have created an urgent need for increased security measures. However, the U.S. Marshals Service faces resource constraints, making it impossible to provide round-the-clock protection for every federal judge. This reality is deeply concerning as instances of actual violence have occurred. In 2020, a lawyer targeted federal judge Esther Salas in New Jersey, resulting in the death of her son and the injury of her husband.
To ensure the safety of judicial officers, former U.S. Marshal Jim Shield has recommended several measures. Shield advises judges and prosecutors to protect their personally identifiable information, such as home addresses, as well as remain vigilant of their surroundings while traveling to and from work. Additionally, Shield advises these individuals to exercise caution on social media platforms, which can inadvertently reveal personal details and make them targets.
The dangerous environment faced by judges and prosecutors is indicative of the immense challenges they currently encounter. This escalation in threats and violence represents a departure from previous norms, underscoring the imperative to address this alarming issue promptly and effectively.
