Justices Seek More Security Funding Amid Rising Threats

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett informed lawmakers on Tuesday that escalating threats against her and fellow justices are significantly impacting their personal and family lives. During a rare congressional appearance, Barrett recounted an instance a few years prior where she had to wear a bulletproof vest to her home, a situation she found difficult to explain to her 12-year-old son. She stated, "I didn’t expect that performing this service would put me in the position of explaining to my children what a bulletproof vest was, why I had to wear one." Both Barrett and Justice Elena Kagan testified before a House appropriations panel, advocating for increased security funding for the nation's highest court, citing a nationwide rise in threats and intimidation against judges.

Barrett's residence was also the target of a "swatting" incident in May, where authorities were falsely alerted to an emergency at her home. This hearing follows the court's recent delivery of several significant rulings, including one that expanded President Donald Trump's authority over federal regulatory agencies and another that overturned his broad tariffs, both of which generated considerable personal criticism directed at the justices. This marks the first time justices have testified before Congress since 2019, and both Kagan and Barrett faced extensive questions regarding the court's operations.

The Supreme Court's budget request for the upcoming fiscal year totals $228 million, representing an approximate 10% increase from the previous year. Of this total, $18 million is allocated for building and grounds maintenance. A substantial portion of the requested increase, $14.6 million, is earmarked for enhancing personal protection for justices, including the addition of six more agents per justice. An additional $2 million is designated for establishing an off-site residential security post to expedite emergency responses and to increase the number of Supreme Court police officers. The U.S. Marshals Service, which oversees the protection of federal judges, reported 564 threats during the government fiscal year.