Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) issued a request for an “expanded security perimeter” to be established around the homes of three Supreme Court justices who live in one northern Virginia county.
Fairfax County officials were sent a letter requesting increased security based on “credible” information that protests planned for Wednesday outside the homes of Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas posed a threat, according to the missive obtained by Breitbart. Youngkin’s letter comes days after the governor vowed to work with federal and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of the justices amid increased protests over the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“I am writing to respectfully request that the Fairfax County Police Department establish an expanded security perimeter around the homes of the three current Supreme Court Justices who reside in Fairfax County,” Youngkin wrote in his letter.
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“The Virginia State Police have offered and stand ready to provide their assistance to Fairfax County Police,” Youngkin said, adding that increased security measures should include “limiting unauthorized vehicle and pedestrian access.”
Based on the information his administration received about the “upcoming activities planned,” Youngkin said, “establishing a perimeter will ensure both the safety of the Justices, their neighbors and the demonstrators.”
Demonstrations have been put together by groups such as ShutDownDC, including a “vigil for abortion rights” outside Alito’s home Monday.
Youngkin insisted in his letter that he does not believe people should be allowed to demonstrate and picket outside the justices’ residences, as the activity is “meant to intimidate and influence” them.
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Protests in favor of and against the overturning of Roe popped up across the United States since a leaked draft opinion written by Alito, in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Mississippi abortion case, was obtained and published by Politico early last week. Protests occurred over the weekend outside the homes of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
The opinion revealed Monday is not final, and votes among the justices might change before a ruling is dealt in the coming months. The leak prompted Roberts to order an investigation by the marshal of the court. In a statement, the court confirmed the draft that was leaked is “authentic” but stressed it does “not represent a decision by the Court.”
The Senate unanimously passed a bill Monday providing top-level security to the justices and their families amid the protests and threats against the conservative court members. Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD) revealed Wednesday that he and Youngkin had sent a joint letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland to “provide appropriate resources” in order to protect the justices amid the demonstrations.
The Justice Department released a statement Wednesday about Supreme Court safety.
“Attorney General Garland continues to be briefed on security matters related to the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Justices. The Attorney General directed the U.S. Marshals Service to help ensure the Justices’ safety by providing additional support to the Marshal of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Police,” Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said.
