Graham to Attorney General Garland: Protect Supreme Court Justices, Enforce and Uphold the Law

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has written to Attorney General Merrick Garland pressing him to protect Supreme Court justices from threats of violence and protests taking place outside their residences. 

Graham noted there is a federal law that prohibits, “picketing, parades or any other demonstrations outside federal courts or the homes of federal judges and justices that are conducted with the intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness or court officer, in the discharge of his duty.” 

Graham pressed Garland to enforce and uphold the law. 

“Non-violent protests in front of the Supreme Court building are one thing, but protesting at the home of a justice is beyond the pale,” wrote Graham.  “Protests at a person’s home carry with them the implicit threat of violence and can be designed to stoke fear for their personal and their families’ safety…The angry protests in front of the homes of Justices Alito, Roberts, and Kavanaugh have been part of an immense public pressure campaign, directed at the Supreme Court, with the goal of influencing its final decision in the Dobbs case.” 

Graham noted the protests were orchestrated by groups like Ruth Sent Us, which published a map on its website identifying where Justices Kavanaugh, Alito, Roberts, Barrett, Gorsuch and Thomas each live. 

“The Department of Justice should bring its resources to bear and enforce the statute that Congress passed to address circumstances like the ones playing out right now,” concluded Graham. “Supreme Court justices must be able to rule independently, without fear or favor. Their ability to do so is undermined by these protests. It is incumbent upon you to act and protect the integrity of the Supreme Court and the justices who serve on it. Please take that charge seriously.” 

A full copy of Graham’s letter is available here.