Federal judges warn of rise in threats and harassment: "Daunting" and "frightening"

Source: CBS News

Updated on: July 31, 2025 / 6:26 PM EDT


Washington — A trio of federal judges on Thursday publicly detailed threats and harassment they have endured in recent months after handing down decisions against the Trump administration or speaking out against attacks on the federal judiciary, including receiving pizzas that purported to be sent from the late son of a New Jersey federal judge who was the target of an attack.

The appearances marked the first time the judges have spoken out about the threats they've received, and marked the rare occasion of sitting members of the judiciary responding to the attacks leveled against them.

During the course of his second term, President Trump, members of his administration and Republicans on Capitol Hill have lambasted judges who have issued rulings against the president's policies. Some GOP lawmakers have filed articles of impeachment against judges, and the Justice Department has lodged judicial misconduct complaints against two jurists who sit on the federal trial court in Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by Speak Up for Justice, an organization that seeks to voice support for the judiciary.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell, who is the chief judge of the court in Rhode Island, said he has received six credible death threats. He described one in which a person was searching for McConnell's home address because he wanted "Smith & Wesson to pay me a visit."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-judges-warn-rise-threats-harassment/