AG Clark: Urges Congress for Supreme Court Security Funding

• Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark joined a bipartisan letter urging Congress to fully fund the Supreme Court's Fiscal Year 2027 security request.
• The letter highlights a serious and escalating danger from threats against Supreme Court Justices and their families.
• Security incidents of significant concern for federal judges spiked by 57 percent in FY 2025, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
• The FY 2027 request includes $14.6 million for expanded personal protection for Justices and $2 million for an off-site command post.
• The Attorneys General emphasized that judicial independence, free from fear, is crucial for the Court to fulfill its constitutional role.

The Attorneys General collectively asserted that the Supreme Court can effectively fulfill its constitutional duties only when its Justices are empowered to exercise judicial independence, free from intimidation or undue influence.

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark has joined a broad, bipartisan coalition of Attorneys General in formally urging Congress to appropriate the full amount requested for the U.S. Supreme Court's Fiscal Year 2027 security budget. The collective appeal, directed to key congressional leaders including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, highlights a critical need for increased protection.

The letter emphasizes that the safety of the Justices, their families, and the Supreme Court as an institution is paramount. It explicitly warns that the threats directed at these individuals have become a grave and escalating concern, necessitating immediate and comprehensive action. The Attorneys General from 47 states and territories, including Connecticut, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and many others, collectively stressed that adequate resources are indispensable for the Court to maintain its vital constitutional functions.

This urgent request for enhanced security funding comes amidst a documented surge in threats against federal judges across the nation. Data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts reveals a concerning 57 percent spike in "security incidents of significant concern" targeting judges during Fiscal Year 2025. This alarming trend underscores the heightened risks faced by members of the judiciary.

Recent high-profile incidents serve as stark reminders of the potential dangers. In 2022, an individual traveled to the vicinity of Justice Brett Kavanaugh's residence with the stated intention of assassinating him. Two years prior, in 2020, an assailant murdered Daniel Anderl, the son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas of New Jersey, during an attempt on the judge's life. These events illustrate the very real and personal threats that judicial officers and their families endure.

The Supreme Court's Fiscal Year 2027 security request outlines specific allocations designed to bolster protection measures. A significant portion, $14.6 million, is earmarked for expanding personal protection details for the Justices themselves. This funding aims to ensure their safety in various settings, both on and off the Court grounds.

Additionally, the request includes provisions for increasing personnel dedicated to strengthening security protocols at the Supreme Court building. A further $2 million is sought for the establishment of an off-site command post, which would serve as a central hub for coordinating residential protection efforts for the Justices. These detailed funding requests reflect a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted security challenges.

The coalition of Attorneys General underscored that safeguarding the Court is not merely about protecting individuals, but about preserving the very security and stability of the nation’s constitutional framework. They acknowledged the difficult spending decisions confronting Congress but emphasized that the integrity of the judicial branch is a non-negotiable priority. The Attorneys General collectively asserted that the Supreme Court can effectively fulfill its constitutional duties only when its Justices are empowered to exercise judicial independence, free from intimidation or undue influence.

This collective stance highlights a fundamental concern that security vulnerabilities can directly impede the judiciary's ability to render impartial judgments, thereby undermining public trust and the rule of law. The letter serves as a powerful statement from a broad cross-section of state legal officers, advocating for the resources necessary to ensure that the Supreme Court remains a bastion of independent justice, uncompromised by fear.

This development highlights the increasing security risks faced by federal judges and Supreme Court Justices, which could impact the perceived and actual independence of the judiciary. Lawyers should be cognizant of these pressures when considering the broader context of judicial decision-making and the stability of the legal system.

Source: Original reporting via Attorney General Clark's office