Authorities responded to a report of shots fired outside the residence of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, only to determine it was a likely 'swatting' attempt. The incident comes amidst broader concerns about threats against members of the judiciary, following recent protests and threats against conservative justices.
On Wednesday evening, authorities in Fairfax County, Virginia, responded to a report of shots fired outside the residence of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett .
Upon arrival, officers quickly concluded that the call was likely a 'swatting' attempt, a practice where false reports of violent emergencies are made to trigger an armed police response. The Fairfax County Police Department received the call through their non-emergency line at approximately 9:02 p.m. and immediately coordinated with Supreme Court Police personnel assigned to the residence. After meeting with security personnel already stationed at the property and finding no evidence of gunfire, officers determined the report was fictitious.
This incident comes amidst broader concerns about threats against members of the judiciary. Following the leak of the draft opinion and subsequent ruling on abortion rights, protesters gathered outside the homes of several conservative justices, including Barrett. Her family has also been targeted, with a bomb threat investigation in March 2024 against her sister's home in Charleston, South Carolina. Authorities later determined the threat to be unfounded.
The apparent swatting attempt highlights the increasing use of such tactics against elected officials, judges, and public figures, with Supreme Court justices receiving increased security in recent years due to multiple incidents targeting judges and their families
Swatting Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court False Emergency Call Judiciary Threats Protests
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