McConnell, Grassley, Judiciary Republicans Press DOJ on Lack of Charges Against Demonstrators Seeking to Influence Pending Judicial Decisions

WASHINGTON – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) today joined Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and other committee Republicans in demanding an explanation for the Justice Department’s failures to enforce a law restricting efforts to influence pending judicial decisions.  Title 18, Section 1507 of the U.S. code criminalizes parading or picketing in front of the homes of judges with the intent to influence pending litigation.

 

“These unprosecuted, illegal protests allowed a deranged young man to figure out where Justice Kavanaugh lived with enough precision that he showed up in front of his house at 1 a.m. with a Glock, a crowbar, zip ties, and silent boots,” the senators wrote in a letter today to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

 

“We want to know why you aren't prosecuting these Section 1507 violations. We are aware that President Biden has endorsed home protests for Justices, but as you told us repeatedly, your decisions whom to prosecute would not be decided by the White House. Is White House policy keeping you from bringing charges? If not, tell us,” they continued.

 

Along with McConnell and Grassley, the letter was signed by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).

 

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

 

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