Full Breakdown
Rising Threats Against Federal Judges Amid Political Tensions
3/20/2026, 5:14:32 PM
Increasing Violent Threats Against Judges
A concerning trend has emerged regarding the rise in violent threats against federal judges, coinciding with heightened criticism of the judiciary from political figures, particularly former President Donald Trump. During a recent online forum hosted by the legal group "Speak Up for Justice," several federal judges shared their alarming experiences with threats, highlighting a growing atmosphere of hostility. Chief Judge Dolly Gee of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California noted that the level of vitriol and threats has escalated significantly since she began her tenure in 2010. The U.S. Marshals Service reported 564 threats against federal judges in the last fiscal year, an increase from 509 the previous year, indicating a troubling trend.
Personal Accounts of Threats
Judges recounted specific threats that have become part of their daily lives. For instance, Judge Gee revealed she received messages detailing personal information and threats of violence, including one that promised to "put a bullet in your head." Judge Ana Reyes, who has presided over high-profile cases involving the Trump administration, also shared her experiences with threats following her rulings. She emphasized that such intimidation tactics have become normalized, stating, "What’s most problematic is that the extraordinary has become ordinary."
The Role of Social Media and Political Rhetoric
Judges have pointed to the influence of social media and political rhetoric as contributing factors to the increase in threats. Judge Michelle Williams Court remarked on the information vacuum that fuels misunderstandings about the judiciary, which can lead to hostility. The judges expressed concern that the public perception of judges as partisan figures, often exacerbated by media coverage linking judges to their appointing presidents, further intensifies the threats they face.
Official Responses and Calls for Respectful Dialogue
Chief Justice John Roberts has publicly condemned the personal attacks against judges, labeling them as dangerous. He urged for a more respectful dialogue regarding the judiciary. Judge Mark Norris, a Trump appointee, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for better communication to foster understanding of judicial processes. The judges collectively affirmed that despite the threats, they remain committed to their roles and will not be deterred from fulfilling their judicial responsibilities.
Conflicting Reports and Ongoing Concerns
While the U.S. Marshals Service has documented a significant number of threats, there are discrepancies in the reporting of specific incidents and their origins. Some judges have noted that certain threats may be linked to foreign actors, raising concerns about the broader implications of such intimidation tactics. The judiciary continues to grapple with the normalization of threats, as judges report receiving unsolicited pizza deliveries as a form of intimidation, a practice that has become disturbingly common.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t think being a federal judge is a job for the fainthearted.” — Chief Judge Dolly Gee, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- “But what’s most problematic is that the extraordinary has become ordinary.” — Judge Ana Reyes, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- “We’ve got to translate that into words that people understand these days.” — Judge Mark Norris, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
- “become the quotidian,” — Judge Mark Norris, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
The judiciary faces a critical moment as it navigates the challenges posed by increasing threats, political rhetoric, and the need for public understanding of its role.
