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Supreme Court justices tell Congress their safety is at risk and more must be spent on security
By Lindsay Whitehurst | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers Tuesday that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives.
During a rare appearance by justices before Congress, Barrett said she had to take a bulletproof vest...
Key takeaway During a rare appearance by justices before Congress, Barrett said she had to take a bulletproof vest home a few years ago, something she struggled to explain to her 12-year-old son.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The safety concerns of Supreme Court justices have a direct impact on the San Francisco community, where judges and public officials are also facing increased threats. The rise in violent rhetoric and intimidation tactics targeting judges nationwide is a troubling trend that resonates locally. As the justices testify before Congress about the need for increased security funding, San Francisco's own law enforcement and judicial officials are likely taking note of the potential implications for their own safety protocols. The city's history of passionate public discourse and activism can sometimes blur the lines between free speech and targeted harassment, making it crucial for local leaders to strike a balance between protecting public officials and preserving the right to peaceful protest. As the Supreme Court's budget request moves forward, San Francisco's own budget allocations for judicial security will be worth watching to see if similar concerns are being addressed at the local level.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers Tuesday that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives.
During a rare appearance by justices before Congress, Barrett said she had to take a bulletproof vest...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lindsay Whitehurst | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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