Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has made an emotional appeal to Congress for increased funding to protect federal judges, sharing a deeply personal story about how growing security threats have affected her family.
Speaking before the House Appropriations Committee alongside fellow Justice Elena Kagan, Barrett described the human cost behind the alarming rise in threats targeting members of the federal judiciary.
Their appearance marked the first time in seven years that Supreme Court justices had testified on Capitol Hill.
Personal Story Highlights Reality Behind Security Threats
Barrett told lawmakers that the statistics surrounding threats against judges only reveal part of the picture.
She explained that several years ago, during a period when threats against her intensified, members of her security team instructed her to keep a bulletproof vest at home.
The moment became especially difficult when her then-12-year-old son unexpectedly discovered the protective gear inside her bedroom and asked why she needed it.
Barrett admitted she struggled to find the right words to explain the situation to her child.
As the only current Supreme Court justice raising school-aged children, she said experiences like that have forced her family to confront dangers that children should never have to think about.
Threats Against Judiciary Continue to Climb
According to figures presented during the hearing, threats against federal judges are expected to increase by 38 percent in 2026, following another significant jump of 25 percent the previous year.
The justices argued that the growing number of threats demonstrates the need for stronger security measures to ensure judges can carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation.
Barrett stressed that while percentages may appear abstract on paper, living under constant security concerns is an entirely different reality.
Barrett Says Her Family Has Also Been Targeted
The justice revealed that the threats have not been limited to herself.
She told lawmakers that she was the target of an attempted security incident just six weeks before the hearing.
In addition, her sister, who lives in South Carolina, faced a separate threat last year.
Barrett said these incidents have had lasting effects on her children, forcing them to witness situations no family should have to endure simply because of a parent’s public service.
Elena Kagan Warns Against Intimidation of Judges
Justice Elena Kagan echoed Barrett’s concerns, emphasizing that members of the Supreme Court are fully aware that future threats could become reality at any time.
She acknowledged that while some incidents have come dangerously close, the court remains committed to deciding cases based solely on the law rather than outside pressure or intimidation.
Kagan pointed to Chief Justice John Roberts’ long-standing message that judges must continue performing their duties “without fear or favor,” regardless of outside hostility.
Harassment Has Expanded Beyond Traditional Threats
The hearing also addressed the changing nature of intimidation aimed at judges.
Lawmakers heard that federal judges increasingly face online abuse, violent threats, public disclosure of their home addresses, and “swatting” incidents, where false emergency calls send heavily armed law enforcement officers to victims’ homes.
Another disturbing tactic involves anonymous pizza deliveries sent to judges’ homes.
Officials noted that some of these orders have been placed under the name of the son of a federal judge who was fatally shot in 2020 after opening the door to a gunman posing as a delivery driver.
The justices cited these incidents as evidence that harassment has become more personal and psychologically damaging.
Barrett and Kagan Push for Greater Protection
Both justices arrived at the Capitol accompanied by members of their security teams, underscoring the seriousness of the risks they now face.
They urged lawmakers to provide additional funding so security protections can keep pace with the increasing number of threats against judges and their families.
Barrett argued that safeguarding the judiciary is essential not only for the individuals serving on the bench but also for preserving an independent judicial system free from fear and coercion.
Chief Justice Roberts Continues to Sound the Alarm
The hearing comes after Chief Justice John Roberts has repeatedly expressed concern over escalating hostility toward judges.
During a public appearance at Rice University in March, Roberts warned that personally directed attacks against members of the judiciary are dangerous and must come to an end.
His remarks followed public criticism of a federal judge by President Donald Trump after a ruling against his administration, adding to an ongoing national debate over political rhetoric and its potential impact on judicial safety.
As threats continue to rise, Supreme Court leaders say stronger protections are becoming increasingly necessary to ensure judges can carry out their responsibilities without placing themselves or their loved ones at greater risk.
