Fact Check: "Judges face serious threats of violence for doing their jobs."
What We Know
Threats against federal judges have significantly increased in recent years, particularly since the presidency of Donald Trump. According to internal data from the U.S. Marshals Service, there were 277 judges threatened in the fiscal year leading up to March 2025, which represents about one-third of the federal judiciary (source). The data shows that in the five months leading up to March 1, 2025, 80 judges received threats, and this number rose dramatically to 162 additional judges over the following six weeks (source).
The rise in threats has been attributed to a combination of heightened political rhetoric and specific incidents that have raised concerns about judicial safety. For example, Judge Esther Salas, who lost her son to a violent act by a disgruntled lawyer, has been vocal about the dangers judges face and has shared data from the Marshals Service to highlight the issue (source). Furthermore, the Marshals Service defines a threat as any action or communication that implies an intent to assault or intimidate a protected person, including judges (source).
In 2023 alone, threats against more than 400 individual judges were recorded, which coincided with significant political events, such as the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade (source). The increase in threats has prompted calls for enhanced security measures for judges, with many officials expressing concern that existing protections are insufficient (source).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that judges face serious threats of violence is robust and comes from credible sources, including the U.S. Marshals Service and various judicial officials. The data provided by Judge Salas to major news outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post indicates a clear upward trend in threats against judges, particularly in the context of politically charged environments (source, source).
The credibility of the sources is strong, as they include official reports from the U.S. Marshals Service, which is tasked with protecting federal judges. Additionally, the statements from judges themselves, who have firsthand experience with threats, lend further weight to the claims. For instance, Judge Salas's advocacy for judicial safety following her personal tragedy underscores the seriousness of the issue (source).
However, it is important to note that threats against judges have been rising for several years, not solely during Trump's presidency. This suggests a broader trend influenced by political polarization and public sentiment towards the judiciary (source). The involvement of social media in amplifying threats and calls for violence against judges has also been documented, indicating a complex interplay between online rhetoric and real-world consequences (source).
Conclusion
The claim that "judges face serious threats of violence for doing their jobs" is True. The evidence presented from credible sources demonstrates a significant increase in threats against judges, particularly in the context of heightened political tensions and public discourse. The data from the U.S. Marshals Service, combined with the personal testimonies of judges, illustrates a concerning trend that necessitates urgent attention to judicial safety and security.
