US Supreme Court seeks major boost in security funding over threat increase
Summary
Two US Supreme Court justices have asked Congress for $228 million in extra security funding because threats against them have increased. They spoke about dangers like hoax emergency calls, cyber-attacks powered by artificial intelligence, and threats from drones, highlighting the strain on their safety and families.Key Facts
- The court’s requested security budget is $228 million, a 53% increase from last year.
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett experienced a "swatting" incident where police responded to a false report of gunshots at her home.
- Justices Barrett and Elena Kagan warned of rising AI-driven cyber-attacks and drone threats.
- The US Marshals Service reported 370 threats to federal judges so far this year, a 31% increase over last year.
- Security details for justices currently range from four to eight officers, but justices hope to get protection levels similar to cabinet members.
- There have been serious threats, including a woman sentenced to prison for plotting harm against Chief Justice John Roberts.
- This was the first time since 2019 that sitting Supreme Court justices appeared before the House Appropriations Committee.
- Public trust in the Supreme Court fell to 50%, down from 70% in 2022, according to Pew Research Center.
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