Senate Judiciary Committee Demands Investigation into Threatening Pizza Deliveries to Judges
Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, has formally requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to launch an immediate investigation into a series of anonymous pizza deliveries sent to the homes of federal judges and their families. Durbin expressed grave concern that these deliveries represent a deliberate attempt to intimidate the judiciary and undermine the rule of law.
In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Kash Patel, Durbin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that these anonymous deliveries are not merely harmless pranks but rather calculated threats designed to instill fear and demonstrate an awareness of the judges’ personal addresses and family members.
Durbin highlighted that the targeted individuals reportedly include Supreme Court justices, judges presiding over legal cases involving the current administration, and even the children of judges. He further noted that some of these deliveries have chillingly used the name of Daniel Anderl, the son of Judge Esther Salas, who was tragically murdered at the family’s home by a former litigant who had disguised himself as a deliveryman.
"These incidents threaten not only judges and their families, but also judicial independence and the rule of law," Durbin wrote, underscoring the profound implications of these acts for the integrity of the judicial system.
Durbin urged the DOJ and the FBI to prioritize the investigation of these anonymous or pseudonymous deliveries and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. He specifically requested information on any steps that the DOJ or the FBI have taken to protect the judges and their families who have received these deliveries and to prevent further such incidents.
The letter also drew attention to the crucial role of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in safeguarding the federal judiciary. Durbin expressed concern over reports that USMS Acting Director Mark P. Pittella had offered resignation opportunities to more than 5,000 USMS employees.
"In the midst of increasing threats of violence against judges, it is inappropriate and unacceptable to reduce the size of the agency tasked with protecting the federal judiciary and the judicial process," Durbin stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust and well-staffed USMS.
He implored Bondi and Patel to commit to fully supporting the USMS and to maintaining or increasing its current number of employees, recognizing the vital role the agency plays in ensuring the safety and security of federal judges.
Durbin’s letter included a series of specific questions for Bondi and Patel to address by May 20, seeking comprehensive information on the scope and nature of the threats against judges. These questions included:
- How many anonymous pizza deliveries have been sent to judges’ homes or the homes of their family members since January 20?
- Whether each matter prompted an investigation, and if not, why?
- How many suspects have been identified, and if there is any reason to suspect coordination?
Durbin specified that any responses containing classified or law-enforcement sensitive material should be provided to the committee Democrats under separate cover, ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information.
The letter referenced the tragic case of Judge Esther Salas, whose son, Daniel Anderl, was murdered in 2020 by a disgruntled lawyer who had posed as a FedEx delivery driver. The gunman also critically wounded Salas’ husband in the attack.
Salas had previously handled several high-profile cases, including those involving Jeffrey Epstein and the Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Teresa and Joe Giudice.
In recent statements, Salas revealed that she and other judges have received strange pizza deliveries at their homes, with at least 10 of them bearing her son’s name on the order. This disturbing detail underscores the malicious intent behind the deliveries and the psychological impact they are intended to have on the targeted judges.
News reports have also indicated that Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s family members have received strange pizza deliveries at separate households. Additionally, Barrett’s sister reportedly received a bomb threat, further highlighting the escalating threats against members of the judiciary.
- Michelle Childs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit also reported receiving a mysterious pizza delivery at her door, confirming that the problem is widespread and affecting judges at various levels of the federal court system.
Durbin has taken to social media to express his concerns, stating that federal judges are receiving anonymous deliveries as an intimidation tactic and that the threat is ongoing and increasing. He reiterated his call for Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel to investigate these incidents.
Senate Judiciary Democrats have also echoed Durbin’s concerns, emphasizing the ongoing and increasing threats against judges and their families. They have urged Pam Bondi to commit to fully supporting the Marshals Service and maintaining the current size of its workforce.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Justice Department and the FBI for comment, but both agencies declined to provide a statement. The FBI referred Fox News Digital to the U.S. Marshals Service, which also declined to comment.
The lack of immediate comment from the DOJ and the FBI underscores the sensitivity of the investigation and the need for discretion in handling these threats against the judiciary. The situation remains fluid, and it is expected that further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
Durbin’s call for an immediate investigation reflects the growing concern over the safety and security of federal judges and their families. The anonymous pizza deliveries represent a disturbing trend that threatens the independence and impartiality of the judicial system. It is crucial that the DOJ and the FBI take swift and decisive action to identify and prosecute those responsible for these acts and to ensure that judges are able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence.
