Its just so disgusting Judges in WA detail threats after Trump-related rulings

Judge John Coughenour recounted threats he faced after ruling against the Trump administration, including a swatting incident where armed police arrived at his home due to a false report. Speaking at a forum organized by Speak Up for Justice, he highlighted the increasing intimidation directed at judges, particularly since Trump’s return to office. Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, labeled Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship “blatantly unconstitutional,” marking him as the first judge this year to oppose a Trump policy. Fellow judges, like Robert Lasnik, shared similar experiences, including receiving unsolicited pizza deliveries that referenced the tragic murder of Judge Esther Salas’s son, indicating a disturbing trend of personal threats. The rise in threats against judges raises concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law in the U.

S. Coughenour cautioned that such intimidation resembles actions taken during the rise of totalitarian regimes in history. He called for action to protect judicial integrity, stating, “Not in this country. Not on our watch. ” This situation underscores the challenges judges face in maintaining impartiality while ensuring their families' safety.