Photo: Alamy
Republicans have called on the Biden administration and the Department of Justice to bring an end to the abortion protests outside the homes of Supreme Court justices, citing that protestors appear to be violating federal law.
This comes after the U.S. Senate passed a bill on Monday to increase security measures for Supreme Court justices and their families in response to the left’s protests. The outrage comes after a leaked draft opinion showed the court could overturn Roe v. Wade next month.
Abortion advocates have held multiple protests at the homes of Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh, and John Roberts.
Former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr told Fox News that those engaging in protests at the home of Supreme Court justices are acting outside of the law. He stated, “That’s not a valid form of protest because it’s a violation of the law.”
Barr emphasized, “There’s a time and place for protest.” However, he explained, “The federal statute makes it clear that if you go to the house of a judge, the residence of a judge, to influence the judge in his decisions and demonstrate that that’s a federal crime.”
According to Fox News, 18 U.S. Code 1503 states:
“Whoever corruptly or by threats or force… endeavors to influence, intimidate, or impede any grand or petit juror, or officer in or of any court of the United States… in the discharge of his duty… influences, obstructs, or impedes, or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due administration of justice shall be punished.”
18 U.S. Code 1503
Furthermore, 18 U.S. Code 1507 reportedly deems “picketing or parading” a federal crime at any judge’s residence.
“Whoever, with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness, or court officer, in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades in or near a building housing a court of the United States, or in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge, juror, witness, or court officer, or with such intent uses any sound-truck or similar device or resorts to any other demonstration in or near any such building or residence, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.”
18 U.S. Code 1507
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., stated, “The radicals protesting outside the homes of Justices Kavanaugh, Roberts, and Alito are violating federal law.” He added, “18 U.S. Code 1507 makes it a federal crime to picket or parade at any judge’s residence.”
Biggs also asked the question millions of Americans have been wondering over the past week, “Where are the FBI and DOJ?” Biden’s Department of Justice was quick to weaponize the justice system against parents who were critical of school board choices; however, that same Department of Justice seemingly is refusing to prevent the violation of U.S. law in this case.
Despite lawmakers demanding the Department of Justice intervene and hold people accountable for their actions, Attorney General Merrick Garland has not yet acted in response to the alleged violation of U.S. law.
A senior fellow at the National Review Institute told Fox News that the DOJ has not issued a statement because “they are elevating their political interest in portraying the draft Supreme Court opinion as extreme over their constitutional duty to execute the laws faithfully and protect both the Court and the justices.”
