Federal judges contemplate creating their own security forces

A group of around 50 federal judges met in March and discussed potentially managing their own armed security forces, reports the Wall Street Journal. It could move personnel from the Justice Department led by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Currently, all judges, except the Supreme Court Justices, are protected by the US Marshals Service, which reports to AG Bondi.

During a recent Judicial Conference, judges expressed concerns over increasing threats like bomb scares, SWAT pranks, and even ominous pizza deliveries, all of which followed President Donald Trump’s vocal criticism of court rulings.

Last week, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker proposed shifting control of judicial protection to the courts, citing concerns that Trump could politicize the marshals.

Some judges are concerned that political retaliation could compromise their safety, and there is growing support for the plan.