FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Fairfax County officials have rebuffed a request from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to establish a security perimeter around the neighborhoods of U.S. Supreme Court justices living in the county after some justices have faced protests outside their homes.
Youngkin, a Republican, made the request Wednesday in a letter to the county board of supervisors. “I fundamentally believe such demonstrations and picketing should not be allowed at the Justice’s (sic) homes as they are meant to intimidate and influence the Justices,” he wrote.
Three Supreme Court justices — Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett and Clarence Thomas — live in the county. Justices living in and outside the county have been confronted with protests outside their homes since a draft of Alito’s opinion that would overturn the Roe v. Wade abortion-rights decision was leaked.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said Youngkin’s request for a security perimeter is unnecessary and improper. He said establishing a perimeter would amount to creating an unconstitutional neighborhood “checkpoint” that would infringe on First Amendment protest rights. He also noted that protests that have occurred outside Alito’s home in the Fort Hunt neighborhood have been peaceful.
“We will enforce laws that serve to protect persons and property,” McKay wrote. “Our officers are equally committed to protecting the First Amendment guarantees afforded to those who gather to exercise their freedom of speech.”
Fairfax County Police, for their part, said through a spokeswoman that they’re providing extra staffing in response to reports of planned protests “to maintain the safety and security of the public, while ensuring First Amendment rights are protected.”
Youngkin also joined Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan in calling on federal law enforcement entities to “take the lead and provide sustained resources” to protect the justices and ensure the neighborhoods are secure in the weeks and months ahead.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the governors called on the Department of Justice to enforce a federal law that prohibits “pickets or parades” with the intent to influence a judge.
Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement Wednesday that Garland continues to be briefed on security matters related to the Supreme Court and justices. He noted that Garland had directed the U.S. Marshals Service to help support the Marshal of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Police.
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“Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said Youngkin’s request for a security perimeter is unnecessary and improper. He said establishing a perimeter would amount to creating an unconstitutional neighborhood “checkpoint” that would infringe on First Amendment protest rights. He also noted that protests that have occurred outside Alito’s home in the Fort Hunt neighborhood have been peaceful.”
As to whether or not the protests are peaceful is not the issue. The Justices’ homes are their personal sanctuary deserving of privacy and respect—just as it is for everyone else. There are areas that should be off limits and One’s personal residence should certainly be at the top of that list.
AND THE LAW already says you CANNOT LEGALLY PROTEST outside of a judge’s home..
SO what the hell is the disconnect here?
send the national guard to do it governor youngkin
Send the State Police Governor.
It is just amazing the number of Federal Laws that the Biden/BHO/Soros Administration refuses to ENFORCE ! Our Justices should be demanding the DOJ enforce the Federal Laws . Maybe the State Police should arrest these protesters and hold them for Federal Authorities, I believe state police are required to enforce all Federal, Stae and Municipal laws if need be.
And as i keep asking. IF THE Law enforcement agencies are not going to ENFORCE THE LAWS WE ALREADY HAVE, what is the damn purpose of having LAW MAKERS!?!??!
I worked in Fairfax County back in the ’80s. Was starting to go down the toilet back then, and is living up to it’s Lib reputation now. If the picketers were harassing prominent Dems at their Fairfax County homes, you can bet that the county would be singing a much different tune!
What these low-life “protesters” are doing is against the law. It seems enforcement of these laws is dependant upon whether the judges are considered liberal or conservative.
Like most disgusting, left-wing lib-tards, they feel they
have the “right” to choose which laws they’ll enforce or not, depending on whether it suits “the party”.
Bunch of disgusting low-lives.
Just like most things now days.. IF YOU are a conservative, the laws apply. IF you are a liberal, they do not.