Justice Clarence Thomas Warns of “Very Dicey” Security Threats Facing the U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has voiced his dismay over the intense security measures now deemed necessary for members of the country’s highest court, CNN reports. Speaking to an audience of lawyers and judges in Florida on Thursday, the conservative justice explained that participating in public life outside the courthouse has become increasingly difficult.
This observation comes as the court requests millions of dollars in extra security funding from the U.S. Congress to combat a rising tide of physical and cyber threats directed at the judiciary.
Growing dangers and remote appearances
The 77-year-old previously made similar comments earlier this year during an event at American University in Washington. Originally scheduled to attend in person, he opted for a virtual appearance due to safety fears, stating he did not wish to . At the time, he lamented that the situation demonstrated «how far we have come» before adding that society has «come a long way in the wrong direction».
For years, American judicial officials have been sounding the alarm over a drastic surge in threats directed at federal judges and prosecutors. The severe reality of these dangers was highlighted in 2022 when an armed individual attempted to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh following the leak of a draft opinion that ultimately overturned the landmark abortion ruling Roe v Wade.
A lighthearted address
Beyond his security concerns, Thomas’s wider address to the judicial conference remained lighthearted and actively avoided current court controversies. He reflected fondly on the colleagues he served alongside when he first joined the bench in 1991 and spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. He also shared his personal fondness for barbecue food, specifically pulled pork.
While he briefly mocked Washington DC, his tone was noticeably softer than at the same event two years prior when he branded the U.S. capital a «hideous place».
Discussing his personal life, Thomas noted his support for University of Nebraska sports teams, which is a nod to his wife Virginia «Ginni» Thomas’s roots in Omaha. However, he admitted he rarely attends matches nowadays.
Nearing a historic milestone
Having spent more than 34 years on the bench, Thomas recently became the second-longest-serving justice in the history of the Supreme Court. Assuming he remains in his lifetime appointment, and he has shown no inclination towards retirement, he will secure the record as the longest-serving justice in 2028.
During Thursday’s event, he was interviewed by his former clerk Kasdin Mitchell, whom Donald Trump recently nominated for a federal judgeship in Texas. When Mitchell repeatedly highlighted his extensive tenure, Thomas broke into laughter, joking:
