Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

As Threats Soar, Court Officials Pack Heat

Judges, prosecutors hire guards, carry guns after string of slayings

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 25, 2009 9:25 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Judges and prosecutors are facing a huge upswing in threats, driving many to carry guns or get 24-hour guard protection, the Washington Post reports. Threats against federal court officials have jumped from 592 to 1,278 in the past 6 years. “I live with a constant heightened sense of awareness,” said a federal judge who's taking firearm classes and carries a pistol.

Officials link the surge to anger stoked online, economic woes, an increase in violent offenders like terrorists and gang suspects, and growing anti-government sentiment led by anti-tax demonstrators and white supremacists, the Post says. And cases like the killing of a Chicago judge’s family, a deadly rampage in an Atlanta court, and in-court attacks on judges in New York and California only serve to underscore that threats are often not empty.

Judges and prosecutors are facing a surge in threats.
Judges and prosecutors are facing a surge in threats.   (Shutterstock)
Crime-scene tape is seen at the end of the block where a suspect in the killing of Judge Joan Lefkow's husband and mother lived in Chicago, Ill.
Crime-scene tape is seen at the end of the block where a suspect in the killing of Judge Joan Lefkow's husband and mother lived in Chicago, Ill.   (Getty Images)
US District Judge Joan Lefkow testifies before the Senate on protecting members of the judiciary May 18, 2005. Lefkow's husband and mother were murdered by a man upset with a ruling.
US District Judge Joan Lefkow testifies before the Senate on protecting members of the judiciary May 18, 2005. Lefkow's husband and mother were murdered by a man upset with a ruling.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
riffran
May 26, 2009 2:29 AM CDT
i like how they dumped anti- government tax protester in with the gangs and terrorist.....and next it will be the sunday school church kids...I would love to see the crime statistics of gangs and terrorist compared to tax protesters.......hey wait, didn't a homegrown terrorist launch the potus in his political career?
Timinator2K
May 25, 2009 2:48 AM CDT
"Officials link the surge to anger stoked online, economic woes, an increase in violent offenders like terrorists and gang suspects, and growing anti-government sentiment led by anti-tax demonstrators and white supremacists." WHAT FREAKIN' GARBAGE! People who are not bent on giving up all their money and freedoms are equated to terrorists, white supremacists other lib cause celeb scum???. LIBERAL LIES MASQUERADING AS JOURNALISM.

Judge attacked in Calif. courtroom
Chicago Tribune

Razor attack on prosecutor
New York Post

 
crime • prosecutor • court • threats • judges • guns

More Newser Stories

Tot, 3, Shoots Boy, 5, to Death

Hollywood Gunman Opens Fire on Motorists

Amanda Knox Edges Closer to Freedom

Miffed Snooki: Judge's LiLo Dig 'Harsh'

Italian Court: It's OK to Threaten Kids With Kick in the Pants
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne