Attorney General Merrick Garland on May 18 convened a meeting with Department of Justice and Supreme Court officials to discuss the security needs of justices and the court since the unauthorized release of a draft court opinion that was confirmed to be real earlier this month.
At the AG’s direction and according to the May 18 press release, the U.S. Marshals Service accelerated the provision of round-the-clock security at the homes of all justices, among other actions, last week.
According to the department, attendees also discussed ongoing efforts to enhance coordination, intelligence sharing and technical support as it relates to judicial security. Garland reiterated the department’s commitment to take all appropriate actions to further enhance the security of justices and the court.
“The rise of violence and unlawful threats of violence directed at those who serve the public is unacceptable and dangerous to our democracy,” said Garland in the May 18 release. “I want to be clear: while people vote, argue, and debate in a democracy, we must not – we cannot – allow violence or unlawful threats of violence to permeate our national life. The Justice Department will not tolerate violence or threats of violence against judges or any other public servants at work, home, or any other location.”
Those joining the AG at the meeting included U.S. Marshals Service Director Ron Davis, FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate, U.S. Supreme Court Marshal Gail Curley, Supreme Court Police Chief Paul Coleman and Counselor to the Chief Justice Jeff Minear.