Senator Seeks Probe Into Unusual Pizza Deliveries To Judges

Federal judges across the nation are receiving ominous pizza deliveries to their homes, prompting Senator Dick Durbin to demand a Department of Justice investigation into what he describes as clear intimidation tactics targeting the judiciary.

Quick Takes

Judges nationwide, including Supreme Court justices, have received anonymous pizza deliveries to their homes, viewed as intimidation tactics
Some deliveries used the name of murdered judge’s son Daniel Anderl, who was killed by a fake deliveryman, making the threat implicit
Senator Dick Durbin has formally requested AG Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel investigate these threats
Durbin warns that these incidents threaten judicial independence and the rule of law
The Senator has requested a briefing by May 20, 2025, and opposes any reduction of U.S. Marshals Service workforce amid increasing threats

Mysterious Pizza Deliveries Target Federal Judiciary

Federal judges across the country, including Supreme Court justices, have been receiving unsolicited pizza deliveries to their homes in what appears to be a coordinated intimidation campaign. Senator Dick Durbin, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has formally requested that Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel launch an immediate investigation into these concerning incidents. The deliveries are reportedly targeting judges involved in cases related to the current administration, with some deliveries even being made under the name of Judge Esther Salas’s son, Daniel Anderl, who was murdered by a former litigant posing as a deliveryman at their family home.

According to reports, hundreds of pizzas have been sent to judges nationwide, often arriving late at night. These deliveries serve as a chilling reminder that someone knows where these judges and their families live. Judge Salas herself has spoken about these incidents, explaining the implicit threat behind them. The targeted individuals reportedly include Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s family, who have also received strange deliveries and threats, heightening concerns about judicial safety.

“What does that say to those judges? It says, ‘I know where you live, I know where your kids live, and do you want to end up like Judge Salas, do you want to end up like her son?'” said Judge Salas, reminding the nation of the fate of her son.

DOJ Response and Growing Security Concerns

When questioned about the pizza delivery incidents, Attorney General Pam Bondi admitted she was just learning about the situation. “I’m just learning about that,” Bondi stated, adding, “I’ll be talking to Ed today and find out what’s going on with that,” referring to Ed Martin, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. The Department of Justice has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation, while the FBI has referred inquiries to the U.S. Marshals Service, which has declined to comment on the matter.

Durbin wrote that, “These incidents threaten not only judges and their families, but also judicial independence and the rule of law. It is imperative that the Justice Department (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate these anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and that those responsible be held accountable to the full extent of the law.”

Senator Durbin has emphasized the critical role of the U.S. Marshals Service in protecting the judiciary at a time when threats against judges are increasing. In his letter to AG Bondi and FBI Director Patel, Durbin explicitly warned against any reduction in the Marshals Service workforce, stating that such a move would be “inappropriate and unacceptable” amid the current threat environment. The senator has requested a comprehensive briefing on the situation by May 20, 2025, seeking information about the number of deliveries, ongoing investigations, potential suspects, and protective measures being implemented.

Broader Implications for Judicial Independence

The pizza delivery intimidation tactics represent just one facet of increasing threats against the judiciary in recent years. Senator Durbin and Senate Judiciary Democrats have highlighted the growing number of threats targeting judges and their families on social media platforms as well. Judge Salas, who lost her son to violence at the hands of a disgruntled former litigant, has been particularly vocal about the implicit message being sent to judges through these deliveries.

The targeting of judges represents a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in America. When judges cannot make decisions based solely on the law due to fear of personal retribution, the entire justice system is undermined. Senator Durbin’s call for investigation comes at a critical time when judicial officials face increasing pressure and threats that extend beyond the courtroom and into their private lives. Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel now face mounting pressure to address these threats and provide adequate protection for members of the judiciary.