U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour shared his alarming experiences during a recent public forum, highlighting the increasing threats faced by judges amid the political climate fostered by President Donald Trump.
Coughenour, who was appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, recounted two frightening incidents involving swatting—a false report that resulted in armed police arriving at his home—and a hoax about a bomb at his residence.
The judge noted that these incidents are part of a broader trend of hostility directed at judges who challenge the Trump administration’s controversial policies.
As the first judge this year to publicly rule against a Trump executive order restricting birthright citizenship, Coughenour pointed out that the aggressive backlash reflects a growing disregard for the rule of law.
Other federal judges joined Coughenour during the panel discussion organized by the nonpartisan judicial advocacy organization Speak Up for Justice, expressing their concerns about escalating attacks on the judiciary.
Many judges are hesitant to speak out about perceived partisan issues for fear of appearing biased.
“I signed up for this and I’ll endure the threats and attempts to intimidate, but my family didn’t,” Coughenour stated.
“In what kind of world do people resort to such disgusting tactics?” he asked.
Threats against judges have intensified, particularly since Trump took office for his second term.
A judge from Rhode Island recounted disturbing voicemails received at his office, including calls for his assassination.
The slaying of Judge Esther Salas’s son in New Jersey by a disgruntled attorney is also being invoked to intimidate judges nationwide, highlighting the serious risks they face.
Judge Robert Lasnik, appointed by President Bill Clinton, shared an unsettling experience involving unsolicited pizza deliveries that referenced the tragic murder of Daniel Anderl, Judge Salas’s son.
Lasnik interpreted this as a chilling warning: “We know where you live, we know where your children live, and they could end up dead, like Judge Salas’s son.”
To protect his family from potential intimidation, Lasnik decided to opt out of cases involving the Trump administration, thus feeling freer to discuss assaults on the judiciary.
He noted that younger judges, having faced a barrage of hate mail and threats following unfavorable rulings against the administration, may struggle with the dual burdens of performing their duties and safeguarding their families.
Judges in Washington state have found themselves weighing pressing matters such as the Trump administration’s policies on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, refugee bans, and cuts to federal funding.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Coughenour recalled assisting Russian judges in establishing an independent judiciary following the Soviet Union’s collapse, stating that they held the U.S. legal system in high regard.
Now, he fears that reputation has been tarnished.
Coughenour drew parallels between modern attacks on the judiciary and historical instances of judicial oppression leading to totalitarian regimes, such as those in 1930s Germany and 1970s Cambodia.
He concluded with a passionate call to action: “Not in this country. Not on our watch.”
The judiciary’s independence faces unprecedented challenges, posing significant implications for the future of justice in America.
image source from：thereflector
