A 76-year-old Alaska man has been charged with threatening to kill six U.S. Supreme Court justices after sending over 465 violent messages through an online portal. The Justice Department announced the man’s arrest on Wednesday, detailing that the messages, which were sent over several months, contained graphic and violent rhetoric aimed at the nation’s highest court.
According to officials, the man, whose identity has not been publicly released, targeted the justices with threats of physical harm, referencing specific plans to kill them. The alarming content of the messages prompted an immediate investigation by federal authorities, leading to his arrest.
The Justice Department’s complaint outlines the extent of the threats, describing the language used as “extremely violent and detailed.” The messages were sent via an online portal that allows citizens to communicate with the court. Many of the messages reportedly included personal attacks on individual justices, accusing them of political bias and claiming that their rulings were “destroying the country.” The motivations behind the threats appear to be linked to frustration with recent Supreme Court decisions, although officials have not disclosed specifics.
This arrest comes at a time of heightened tensions around the Supreme Court, with several high-profile rulings sparking nationwide controversy. Over the past year, the court has faced intense public scrutiny over decisions related to issues such as abortion rights, gun control, and affirmative action, leading to increased security measures around the justices’ homes and workplaces.
The case underscores the growing concern over threats and intimidation directed at public officials, particularly in light of several recent high-profile incidents. Federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, which is tasked with protecting the justices, have stepped up their efforts to monitor and respond to threats against court personnel.
The Justice Department has emphasized that threats of violence against government officials, including members of the judiciary, will not be tolerated. “This arrest sends a clear message that any threats to the safety of our justices will be taken seriously and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” a department spokesperson said.
If convicted, the Alaska man could face significant prison time. Federal charges related to threatening government officials, particularly members of the judiciary, carry harsh penalties, with sentences potentially reaching decades behind bars depending on the severity of the offense.
This case also highlights the challenges faced by the court in balancing transparency and security. While the online portal was designed to encourage open communication with the public, it has become a channel for hostile and, at times, dangerous messages. Court officials are reportedly reviewing security protocols in light of this incident and others like it.
Public reaction to the case has been mixed. Some express shock at the violent rhetoric directed toward the justices, while others see it as a reflection of the intense political polarization gripping the country. Legal experts warn that threats like these could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and discourage qualified individuals from seeking judicial appointments.
The Supreme Court has yet to issue a public statement regarding the threats or the arrest of the Alaska man, but security around the court and the justices has visibly increased in recent months. The court continues to face intense pressure as it prepares to hear several major cases in the upcoming term, which are likely to reignite public debate over its role in shaping the nation’s laws.
