Justice Amy Coney Barrett testified in Washington about threats against her family and risks tied to her Supreme Court service. She described carrying a bulletproof vest home and experiencing a recent swatting incident. Barrett said federal judges continue working despite a high threat level.
A video of Barrett’s testimony circulated online after the hearing.
Barrett said threats intensified around the Dobbs leak, prompting her security detail to issue a bulletproof vest. She said her 12-year-old son saw the vest and asked why she needed it.
Barrett also described a swatting incident roughly six weeks earlier. Her teenage son saw police vehicles outside after someone falsely reported gunshots and raised voices inside their home.
Supreme Court police stopped county officers and explained that the report was false. The officers did not attempt to enter Barrett’s home.
Barrett said judges had received anonymous deliveries meant to intimidate them. Some were sent in the name of Judge Salas’ son, who was killed when an attacker targeting his mother arrived at their home.
Barrett said federal judges continue working “without fear or favor,” although the threat level remains high.
Amy Coney Barrett Resignation Calls Follow Threat Testimony
The disclosure divided online responses between demands for Barrett to leave the court and condemnation of those targeting judges.
One user wrote, “If she can’t handle it, she should quit.” Another stated, “Her fear makes her decisions compromised.” A separate response argued, “Resign then. You’re clearly not cut out for this and you’re definitely not ruling on cases without FEAR or FAVOR.”
Another added, “Justice Barrett needs to resign. The fear for her family is affecting her decisions and HURTING America.”
Others condemned the threats and expressed sympathy. One response stated, “This should never be happening in America, but it is. I’m so sorry that she has gone through that.” Another wrote, “Shame on anyone who would threaten a judge.”
Barrett remains on the Supreme Court as debate continues over whether threats can compromise judicial independence.
