Protests erupted Friday in Washington after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and larger disruptions are potential. Yet to date the Justice Department has refused to implement federal legislation to maintain the peace on the private properties of the Justices. That’s regardless of a request by Virginia Gov.
Glenn Youngkin
and Maryland Gov.
Larry Hogan.
“Hundreds of demonstrators have recently chosen to picket Supreme Court Justices at their homes in Virginia and Maryland,” the 2 Governors wrote final month to Attorney General
Merrick Garland.
As they identified, there’s a legislation that prohibits making an attempt to affect federal judges by picketing “near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge.” Violations are punishable by a 12 months in jail.
“It seems clear this federal code is applicable,” the Governors wrote, given the leak of Justice
Samuel Alito’s
draft opinion on Roe v. Wade. The protesters had been making an attempt to affect the ultimate ruling. Messrs. Youngkin and Hogan cited feedback akin to: “If you take away our choices, we will riot.” They requested Mr. Garland to “ensure these residential areas are secure” and to “enforce the law as it is written.”
We’ve obtained the Justice Department’s reply, which is about as responsive as a moist blanket. “Your letter,” it says, “suggests that some individuals may have violated federal criminal law. We appreciate having the benefit of your views on this matter. Longstanding policy and practice of the Department prevent us from discussing this information with you further or confirming or denying the initiation or existence of any investigation.”
The letter is signed by
Peter Hyun,
appearing assistant lawyer common. It is stamped June 8, which occurs to be the day {that a} man was arrested outdoors Justice
Brett Kavanaugh’s
dwelling with a gun and housebreaking instruments. He advised investigators he was offended concerning the Supreme Court’s abortion and gun jurisprudence and had flown from California desiring to assassinate the Justice.
The presence of U.S. deputy marshals appears to have deterred that plot. “The U.S. Marshals Service has been providing around-the-clock security at the homes of all Justices among other actions,” the Justice Department wrote to Messrs. Youngkin and Hogan. Mr. Hyun promised additional “efforts to enhance coordination, intelligence sharing, and technical support as it relates to judicial security.”
These federal sources are welcome. But Mr. Garland might assist preserve tranquility by implementing the legislation in opposition to individuals who rage outdoors the Justices’ properties, and particularly those that threaten rioting or violence.
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