Threats and violent rhetoric directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices are surging online in the wake of their decision disqualifying former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 Republican primary ballot. Advance Democracy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research group, has identified a concerning rise in “significant violent rhetoric” targeting the justices on social media platforms.
The group’s report links much of the online vitriol to Trump’s own postings on his Truth Social platform. Following the Tuesday ruling, Trump shared messages critical of the court’s decision, which cited his alleged role in the January 6th Capitol riot as violating the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban.” Advance Democracy identified these posts as potential catalysts for the spike in online threats and violent language directed at the justices.
The report details disturbing examples of the online harassment, including:
- Posts advocating for physical harm against the justices, with several using graphic and explicit language.
- Images depicting violent acts targeting the justices and their families.
- Calls for protests and demonstrations outside the justices’ homes and workplaces.
- Hateful and discriminatory language targeting the justices based on their gender or ethnicity.
Law enforcement officials have expressed concern about the online threats and are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. The report also raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms to address and remove such dangerous content. Advance Democracy urges these platforms to take proactive measures to curb the spread of online hate and violence.
The surge in online threats against the Colorado Supreme Court justices highlights a growing concern about the intimidation and harassment faced by judicial officials nationwide. Experts warn that such targeting can have a chilling effect on judicial independence and erode public trust in the justice system.
