House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called for protesters to remain peaceful, asserting that the party does not condone violence ahead of the Supreme Court’s anticipated decision on a high-profile abortion case.
“We denounce violence in any form, whether it comes from whatever particular ideological perspective,” said Jeffries, the fourth-ranking House Democrat. “And I haven’t seen any comments in terms of folks not ruling out violence. But we’ve been very clear: Violence is not a form of legitimate political discourse.”
His comments come just ahead of the House bringing up legislation on Tuesday to provide additional security for Supreme Court justices after an armed man was arrested outside Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s house.
The legislation passed the Senate by voice vote.
Some GOP lawmakers, including Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), have called for the prosecution of protesters outside of justices’ homes.
“We’re going to continue to take steps necessary to keep all public servants safe, and that of course includes, as Leader [Steny] Hoyer has announced, bringing the Senate Supreme Court bill to the floor today,” Jeffries said.
A Department of Homeland Security memo warning of an uptick in threats to Supreme Court justices, clerks, and conservative lawmakers was released shortly after a draft decision indicating the high court will rule to nullify Roe v. Wade was leaked to Politico last month.
