SCOTUS marshal asks Maryland officials to enforce anti-picketing laws outside justices’ homes

“For weeks on end, large groups of protesters chanting slogans, using bullhorns, and banging drums have picketed justices’ homes in Maryland,” the letter to Republican Gov. Larry Hogan said.

“Earlier this week, for example, 75 protesters loudly picketed at one Justice’s home in Maryland for 20-30 minutes in the evening, then proceeded to picket at another Justice’s home for 30 minutes, where the crowd grew to 100, and finally returned to the first Justice’s home to picket for another 20 minutes. This is exactly the kind of conduct that the Maryland and Montgomery County laws prohibit,” the letter continued.

Curley, who can also be main the investigation into the opinion’s disclosure, stated state and county laws “provide the tools to prevent picketing activity at the Justices’ homes, and they should be enforced without delay.”

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh stay in Montgomery County, Md. The Washington Post first reported the existence of the marshal’s letters.

On its website, the Montgomery County Department of Police acknowledged it’s “committed to preserving the first amendment rights of all individuals wishing to participate in peaceful, lawful, protest and assembly.”

The debate over protests at justices’ homes and Supreme Court safety has risen for the reason that disclosure of the draft opinion. In June, a California man was charged with attempted murder after allegedly threatening to kill Kavanaugh within the run up to the courtroom’s key ruling on abortion rights.

Hogan and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia called on the Justice Department in May to present ample assets to shield Supreme Court justices and their households.

Curley’s Friday letters quoted earlier feedback from Hogan and Marc Elrich, the county government of Montgomery County, with Hogan stating that “we will continue to partner with both federal and local law enforcement officials to help ensure these residential areas are secure.”