Supreme Court Justices Urge Congress to Boost Security Funding Amid Rising Threats
Wertynews.com – Supreme Court justices push Congress to allocate more resources for security, highlighting the escalating risks faced by the judiciary. In a recent dialogue with lawmakers, Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett stressed the necessity of increased funding to safeguard the court’s operations. Kagan noted that threats have grown “very close” to the justices, underscoring the critical importance of enhancing protective measures against potential attacks.
Security Needs in the Judicial Branch
During a House subcommittee hearing, the justices addressed the Supreme Court’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts on October 1. They will also appear before a Senate panel later the same day, following the conclusion of the court’s most recent term. The budget request seeks more than $228 million, a $20 million increase, to address security concerns that have intensified in recent months.
“For some of us, those threats have come very close, and all of us live with the knowledge that they may again materialize,” Kagan stated. “But, as the chief justice has said, all members of the court continue to do their jobs as they believe legally right, adjudicating cases without fear or favor.”
Barrett emphasized that the current security framework is being tested by the frequency and proximity of threats. The Supreme Court Police, which now handle residential protection for justices, have reported a 38% increase in threats for 2026. This surge comes after federal judges saw a 57% rise in “security incidents of significant concern” during fiscal year 2025, with 370 threats documented and 512 investigations conducted—a jump from 564 total threats in the previous fiscal year.
Concrete Examples of Threats
According to a CBS News analysis, 126 cases in 2025 involved threatening communications, with 12 specifically targeting judges. Barrett recalled receiving a bulletproof vest following the leak of a decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in May 2022. This event triggered protests at the homes of several conservative justices, including her own. A month later, an individual from California was arrested near Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s Maryland residence, armed with a handgun, knife, and tools.
The suspect, initially identified as Nicholas Roske and later known as Sophie Roske, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to attempting to kill or kidnap a Supreme Court justice. The case revealed a strategic plan to target three justices, with the suspect having studied their addresses. Barrett also shared a “swatting” incident six weeks ago, where her teenage son answered the door to find police responding to a false gunshot report.
Barrett further described “pizza doxxing,” a method where anonymous deliveries are made to judges’ homes. She noted that these pizzas were sent in the name of Daniel Anderl, the 20-year-old son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas. Such incidents reflect a broader trend of threats against judicial figures, which the justices argue necessitate sustained security funding. The Supreme Court Police confirmed that the recent events underscored the urgency of their request, with a focus on both physical and digital safety protocols.
