Supreme Court justice describes wearing bulletproof vest and 'swatting' hoax at home

July 14, 2026

Two Supreme Court justices testified before Congress requesting a substantial 53% budget increase to $228 million, primarily for enhanced security measures to address escalating threats against court members. Justice Amy Coney Barrett revealed she experienced a swatting incident six weeks prior and was previously issued a bulletproof vest following the 2022 abortion ruling, while Justice Elena Kagan highlighted rising cybersecurity attacks amplified by artificial intelligence capabilities. The justices described living under constant threat, with federal data showing 370 threats against federal judges already this fiscal year, representing a 31% increase from the previous year.

Who is affected

Supreme Court justices, particularly Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan
Barrett's children and family members
All federal judges (370 threats reported this fiscal year)
Supreme Court police and security personnel
Chief Justice John Roberts (who was targeted by a woman with guns)
Cabinet-level officials (used as comparison for desired security levels)

What action is being taken

The Supreme Court is requesting $228 million in funding from Congress (a 53% increase from last year)
Security personnel are currently assigned to protect justices (between four to eight personnel depending on the occasion)
Supreme Court police are monitoring and responding to threats
Justices Barrett and Kagan are testifying before the House Appropriations Committee

Why it matters

This situation matters because threats against federal judges have increased by 31% year-over-year, with Supreme Court justices facing constant danger that affects both their personal lives and their families. The rising security concerns, fueled by political polarization, AI-enhanced cyber-attacks, and new technologies like drones, threaten the independence and functioning of the judicial branch. The declining public trust in the Supreme Court (down from 70% to 50% favorability since 2022) combined with increased threats following controversial rulings creates a dangerous environment that could undermine the rule of law and the ability of justices to perform their constitutional duties without fear.

What's next

The justices hope the number of security personnel assigned to protect them will increase over time
Multiple committee members expressed the need for justices to appear before Congress more often to address eroding public trust

Read full article from source: BBC