The Supreme Court is asking Congress to increase its security budget by more than $12 million following threats to the Court last summer and the arrest of an individual who allegedly planned to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Nearly $6 million is specifically earmarked for the expansion of protective activities.
“This request would expand security activities conducted by Supreme Court Police to protect the Justices,” read the budget. “On-going threat assessments show evolving risks that require continuous protection. Additional funding would provide for contract positions, eventually transitioning to full-time employees, that will augment capabilities of the Supreme Court police force and allow it to accomplish its protective mission.”
Since the draft opinion was released in the Dobbs case, which ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade, protests against the Court and specifically outside of the justices’ homes have intensified. Despite the fact it is a crime to attempt to influence a judge outside their residence, there have been no prosecutions of protestors — something attorney general Merrick Garland was pressed on during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
A man who allegedly planned to assassinate Kavanaugh and who was having suicidal thoughts turned himself in before he could do so. Nicholas John Roske from California made the trip to Maryland with a Glock 17 pistol, a knife, and zip ties.
Last year, a leftist group called Ruth Sent Us posted what it claims are the home addresses of the Court’s six conservative justices in order to mobilize protestors. Democrats have defended these demonstrations so long as they are peaceful.
After the planned attempt on Kavanaugh’s life was foiled, Congress passed supplemental funding to boost the justices’ security.
An additional $6.5 million is requested for physical security upgrades to the Supreme Court building.
“Funding is requested for physical security upgrades resulting from a comprehensive review and recommendations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The requested funding is needed to reinforce the building envelope,” read the request.
The budget also asks for $585,000 in additional funding for five new IT engineer positions in cybersecurity, software development, and network engineering.
The release of the Dobbs opinion, which was viewed as a severe breach of the Court’s deliberative process, was thoroughly investigated for 8 months. The investigation yielded no definitive answers for who was responsible.
The Court is requesting a total of more than $150 million for fiscal year 2024, which begins October 1 and runs through September 2024.