#USA #Los Angeles #Speak Up for Justice #judicial threats #federal judges

Speak Up for Justice Forum

On July 31, 2025, the nonpartisan movement Speak Up for Justice is set to host a pivotal virtual forum aimed at addressing the escalating threats against judges in the United States. This event is particularly significant as it features sitting federal judges who will publicly share their personal experiences with bomb threats, swatting events, and harassment campaigns targeted at members of the judiciary. The forum underscores the dire state of judicial independence and the rule of law in the face of these rising threats.

The Context of the Forum

Judicial safety has become increasingly compromised, as evidenced by the heartbreaking case of Judge Esther Salas, whose son, Daniel Anderl, was murdered in a targeted attack in 2020. Salas's tragic loss is emblematic of the growing danger that judges face. Many judges are now subjected to intimidation tactics, such as 'pizza doxing,' where pizzas are delivered to their homes under false pretenses as a form of harassment and intimidation.

Featured Speakers and Their Stories

The forum, titled "Judges Break Their Silence: Attacks, Intimidation, and Threats to Democracy," will feature prominent judges from across the nation:

• - Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. (Rhode Island): Faced violent threats after a high-stakes ruling, including receiving pizzas delivered under Daniel Anderl's name.
• - Judge Robert S. Lasnik (Washington): Both he and his son were victims of pizza deliveries that were linked to anti-judicial rhetoric he had recently criticized.
• - Judge John C. Coughenour (Washington): Experienced swatting incidents and bomb threats following his ruling upholding birthright citizenship.
• - Judge Esther Salas (New Jersey): Continuing her advocacy for judicial safety and reform after the tragic loss of her son.
• - Judge Karoline Mehalchick (Pennsylvania): Chief Magistrate Judge and an emerging leader in the Federal Bar Association.
• - Andrea La'Verne Edney (Mississippi): A strong defender of judicial integrity and former President of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Discussion Topics

The forum will cover a range of critical issues, including:

• - The alarming increase in threats and harassment against judges.
• - The psychological impact of these events on judges and their families.
• - The evolving tactics of intimidation, particularly in light of events like the murder of Daniel Anderl.
• - How these attacks pose significant danger to the rule of law and democratic institutions.
• - The collective responsibilities of legal professionals and the public in safeguarding judicial independence.

Urgent Call to Action

Amidst this crisis, the July 31 forum is a clarion call to action. It emphasizes that intimidation tactics will not silence those who uphold the law. Legal professionals, journalists, and all concerned citizens are encouraged to register for the event at www.SpeakUpForJustice.law, an essential step in the fight to preserve judicial independence and democracy in the United States.

Conclusion

Founded by attorney Paul Kiesel, Speak Up for Justice is committed to defending the integrity of the judiciary against political interference. By voicing their experiences, judges participating in this forum are shining a light on a troubling phenomenon that threatens not just their safety, but the very fabric of American democracy. This event marks a significant opportunity for the public to gain insight into the challenges faced by those who serve the law and, importantly, to play a part in this crucial discourse.