Supreme Court Requests Increased Security Funding Due to Rising Threats

Justice Elena Kagan warned Congress on Tuesday that threats against Supreme Court justices are expected to rise nearly 40% this year. The Supreme Court Police Department expects a 'very substantial' increase in threats, following a 25% increase last year. Kagan noted that threats against Congress are also up 50% this year, according to the Capitol Police chief's recent testimony.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who also attended the hearing, shared her personal experience with security threats. After the Dobbs decision leaked, her security detail sent her home with a bulletproof vest, which her 12-year-old son then asked her about. Kagan added that 'for some of us, those threats have come very close.' The court is wary of the dangers but the justices will continue to do their jobs as they 'believe legally right, adjudicating cases without fear or favor.'

The court has requested $18.9 million to expand personal protection, build an off-site security command post, and hire cybersecurity experts. The largest line item, $14.6 million, would add six protection agents per justice plus 25 security officers at the court and support staff. Kagan said the court needs the extra cash because it needs new physical security systems, expanded residential security, and additional cybersecurity resources as online attacks have grown in 'number and sophistication.'