Judiciary Urges Congress for Increased Security Funding Amid Rising Threats

The U.S. judiciary has raised alarms about inadequate congressional funding for court security amid rising threats against federal judges and courthouses, particularly as high-profile cases draw increased attention. Officials cite stagnant security allocations—remaining at $750 million, nearly $50 million less than requested—as unsustainable, especially since court budgets have been frozen for consecutive years at 2023 levels. Judges have reported a surge in serious threats, including direct intimidation and targeted harassment, with the U.S. Marshals Service sometimes taking extraordinary protective measures. These concerns were detailed in a recent letter to Congress, and echo Chief Justice John Roberts' year-end report highlighting a significant uptick in threats over the past five years. Authorities have charged roughly 50 individuals in connection with such threats, but many incidents, including harassing acts like unwanted deliveries, remain unresolved. Judiciary leaders urge Congress to increase funding to ensure the safety of judges and the integrity of federal courthouses.