L.A. federal judges warn of rising threats

Federal judges are receiving more threats from the public as political tension becomes everyday discourse among those on social media and even in the public eye.  

U.S. District Judge Michelle Williams Court and Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee spoke out about these threats from the public on Thursday's Speak Up for Justice Forum, saying there's a misperception among some people that federal judges base their rulings on the views of the president who nominated them.

"I don't think society at large understands that judges just focus on the papers and the facts and the law," Williams said. "When I need assistance from someone or I'm seeking advice from someone, I think about their subject matter expertise, I'm not thinking about who appointed them."

Threats to judges have become commonplace — even towards their family members, children and staff — as the Trump administration's "war" on judges who issue opinions on ideas the president disagrees with. Gee added that social media has become an “accelerant” for these threats. 

"I don't think being a federal judge is a job for the faint- hearted," Gee said during the forum. "What I probably didn't expect to quite this degree was the level of vitriol and the types of violent threats that have come across my desk over the years."

According to Gee, some comments from the public include, “I know who you are, what you look like, where you work, where you live and what you drive. So I think I'll pay you a visit soon. What do you think will happen then? Trust me, it will be the worst day of your life. See you soon."

In another case, the judge was told she would be shot in her home. The person who sent the death threat was indicted.

Remarks made by President Donald J. Trump in public and on Truth Social postings against those who don't agree or support his ideals are often called "unpatriotic," "disloyal," "fools," "disgrace to our nation" and an "embarrassment to their families,” leading to more threats directed at certain judges.

Paul Kiesel, founder of Speak Up for Justice, said such talk has become normalized.

"When the third branch of government is intimidated or silenced, the rule of law is at risk," he said. "Judges across the country have faced impeachment threats, misconduct complaints, harassment and targeted intimidation simply for doing their jobs."