Currents News Staff
Police are searching the home of a California man charged with attempted murder after he told police he wanted to kill a Supreme Court Justice and then kill himself, he said, to give his life purpose.
He told authorities he was upset over the leak of a draft ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the possibility that the court could loosen gun laws.
Authorities say 26-year-old Nicholas Roske went to Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s Maryland home with a gun, zip ties and other tools, but after seeing two Deputy Marshals outside, he called 911 on himself.
Attorney General Merrick Garland says the Justice Department will not tolerate this behavior.
“Threats of violence and actual violence against the justices of course strike at the heart of our democracy,” said AG Garland.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin says Congress is now ready to approve a bill extending security to the immediate family members of justices.
“What happened this week with Justice Kavanaugh is a reminder that we live in a dangerous place,” said Durbin, “and these people are vulnerable and we should protect them.”
Republicans are blasting the delay. House Democrats want to expand the Senate bill to cover clerks and staff too. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promises action soon.
“We had hoped that we could do it today,” said Pelosi, “but we will certainly do it next week.”
This all comes as the Jan.6 hearings began Thursday and Washington gears up for a potentially volatile June. That’s when major Supreme Court decisions, large-scale protests, and more tours at the Capitol will converge in an already heightened threat environment.
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger is ramping up security, while DC Police are activating their riot cops throughout the month. A major concern: the pending abortion ruling. Intelligence analysts warn of potential threats toward lawmakers, Supreme Court Justices, abortion providers, and religious groups. The threats are coming from both sides of the abortion debate.
“I am worried about the violence,” said Manger. “I’m worried about the lone actor coming in and doing something dangerous.”
Protests related to abortion and gun laws could bring thousands of people to Washington. Sources say capitol police are now adding overtime shifts.
“The focus is really on the protests that are going on the court,” said Manger. “The protests that are going on at the homes of the Justices. I understand that the tension could very quickly turn to, you know, to the Capitol.”