In a concerning development, Colorado authorities are investigating potential threats directed at state Supreme Court justices. This probe, initiated by the Denver Police Department and supported by the FBI, follows a contentious decision by the court to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot.
The decision, made on December 19, cited the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause to remove Trump from the ballot. This move has since ignited significant controversy, particularly among conservative circles, where it’s perceived as an act of political persecution against Trump. The ruling is expected to be challenged and potentially brought before the US Supreme Court.
In the wake of this decision, Denver police have increased patrols around the residences of the involved judges, according to the Hill. A notable incident occurred just two days after the court’s ruling, where police responded to a false alarm at a judge’s home. Despite being a false alarm, the incident remains under investigation, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.
The situation escalated with the emergence of violent rhetoric in right-wing online forums. NBC News and other outlets reported that these forums featured hostile messages against the four Colorado judges who ruled against Trump. These messages reportedly included demands for the public release of the judges’ personal information, raising serious concerns about their safety.
The Denver Police Department, in a statement, emphasized their commitment to investigating any threats or harassment targeting the justices. They are collaborating closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.
The FBI’s Denver office also confirmed their involvement, stating their dedication to investigating any threats or violence motivated by extremist views. However, both the police and the FBI have refrained from commenting on the specifics of the incidents under investigation.
This investigation coincides with an uptick in confrontational rhetoric from Trump himself. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump recently expressed hostile sentiments against his political adversaries and emphasized themes of revenge in his posts.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling is rooted in Trump’s alleged role in inciting the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The court’s decision, which currently only affects Colorado’s Republican primary scheduled for March 5, has been postponed until January 4, 2024, to allow time for an appeal.
This situation underscores the volatile political climate in the United States, where judicial decisions can lead to significant backlash and threats against public officials. The ongoing investigations reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating these potential threats, aiming to uphold the safety and integrity of the judicial process.
