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Supreme Court justices tell Congress their safety is at risk and more must be spent on security
By Lindsay Whitehurst | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers Tuesday that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives.
During a rare appearance by justices before Congress, Barrett said she had to take a bulletproof vest...
Key takeaway During a rare appearance by justices before Congress, Barrett said she had to take a bulletproof vest home a few years ago, something she struggled to explain to her 12-year-old son.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The concerns expressed by Supreme Court justices about their safety have implications for the broader Los Angeles community, where judges and public figures often face similar threats. The rise in threats of violence and intimidation against judges nationwide, including fake 911 swatting calls and harassment, can have a chilling effect on the administration of justice in local courts. As the Supreme Court requests increased funding for security, Los Angeles County may need to consider similar measures to protect its own judges and court personnel. The city's experience with high-profile trials and celebrity cases can inform strategies for balancing public access with security needs, and local law enforcement may be able to share best practices with federal agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service. By prioritizing security, Los Angeles can help ensure that its courts remain safe and functional, even in the face of increasing threats and intimidation.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers Tuesday that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives.
During a rare appearance by justices before Congress, Barrett said she had to take a bulletproof vest...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lindsay Whitehurst | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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