Amy Coney Barrett reveals insane threats against SCOTUS

Opinion>Opinions - Robby's Radar The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill Amy Coney Barrett reveals insane threats against SCOTUS Comments: by Robby Soave, opinion contributor - 07/15/26 12:26 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Robby Soave, opinion contributor - 07/15/26 12:26 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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Enough is enough — it is wrong that public officials are receiving an unprecedented level of threats on their lives and now require significant security measures to guarantee their safety.

Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan appeared before Congress yesterday to discuss what they and their families have faced. Barrett then clarified a really disturbing detail: The packages that have arrived on her doorstep are often signed in the name of a young man who was killed by a crazed person who had been trying to murder a judge.

Barrett and Kegan were there to explain why the court needs a $14.6 million security budget increase. I do not relish having to spend additional taxpayer dollars on anything, but it’s clear that they need it. A man was sentenced for trying to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The dangers are very real, not just idle talk.

It’s a huge problem, and it’s getting worse. That’s partly because the role of SCOTUS has expanded, as the judiciary has become the major branch responsible for checking federal authority — Congress has completely abdicated its role in that. So the court is making impactful decisions that are felt by all Americans. This has made the court more a target of the ire of frustrated and sometimes disturbed and dangerous individuals.

But the justices shouldn’t have to put up with this. No one should. It degrades our politics when public servants fear for their life. It may even affect their judgment and decision-making, at which point we have rule by the mob.

So no compromises here: We must do everything necessary to keep the justices safe and ensure that they feel free to rule as they see fit.

Robby Soave is co-host of The Hill’s commentary show “Rising” and a senior editor for Reason Magazine. This column is an edited transcription of his daily commentary.

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