Kirk killing puts judge threats top of mind

Sept. 17, 2025 | Zach Schonfeld & Ella Lee | The Hill

Charlie Kirk’s assassination has reignited worries about judges’ security.

A sharp rise in threats against the judiciary has made concern over political violence a constant drumbeat, from state courts to the Supreme Court. …

Before the shooting, former federal judges had already been collaborating behind the scenes for months on a rare, joint statement warning that threats are endangering judges and their families.

They agreed to release it on Constitution Day — today — only for Kirk’s assassination to reignite the national conversation days earlier.

“Since 1787 our Constitution has stood firm. Now so must we all,” reads the letter signed by the 46 former judges, organized by the group Keep our Republic. …