Pizzas Sent in Name of Judge's Murdered Son Target Judges Nationwide

Federal judges across the United States, including Judge Esther Salas, have been subjected to intimidation tactics involving pizzas delivered to their homes using the name of Salas's murdered son, Daniel Anderl. Judge Salas, whose son was killed in a 2020 attack by a disgruntled attorney, described this as a coordinated psychological campaign intended to threaten judges and their families. The deliveries have occurred following heightened political rhetoric and public criticism of the judiciary, with Salas emphasizing that the use of her son's name is particularly cruel and meant to convey that judges and their families are being watched. Salas and her colleagues have called for stronger protections, including tighter restrictions on judges' personal information and more responsible political discourse. She also urged lawmakers and the legal community to stand against such intimidation and ensure that justice is not undermined by fear. Despite these threats, Salas affirmed that judges remain committed to upholding the rule of law.