Judges on the Colorado Supreme Court, the highest court in the state, are reportedly receiving additional security due to threats following their decision to exclude Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot. The court ruled that Trump’s involvement in efforts to overturn President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory constituted an “insurrection,” making him ineligible to appear on the ballot. This ruling reversed a previous decision that had exempted presidents from Section III of the Fourteenth Amendment, which disqualifies individuals who violate their oath to uphold the Constitution from holding public office.
According to a CNN report, the justices, mainly the four who supported the majority decision, have been targeted in threatening and incendiary online posts on MAGA forums. The FBI is actively involved in monitoring the situation and collaborating with local law enforcement to investigate any threats or acts of violence linked to their ideologies.
The Denver Police Department is also investigating incidents related to threats against the Colorado Supreme Court justices. To ensure the safety and privacy of the justices, they are working closely with federal and state law enforcement agencies. Extra patrols have been deployed around the justices’ residences in Denver, with additional security measures available upon request.
The Colorado Judicial Department has chosen not to comment on the matter. It’s worth noting that the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision was narrowly reached, with four of the seven justices supporting the majority opinion and the remaining three justices dissenting. All the justices were appointed by Democratic governors.
This incident is not the first instance of threats and harassment arising from judicial rulings unfavorable to the former president. In a separate case, a Texas woman was arrested for leaving a threatening and racist voicemail for U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing Trump’s federal election subversion case in Washington, D.C.
Furthermore, Trump’s public criticism of a law clerk in the courtroom of Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York, has led to fines for repeatedly violating Engoron’s gag order.