Supreme Court Justice Barrett Targeted in Swatting Incident, May 29

Police in Fairfax County, Virginia responded to a swatting call at Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s home just after 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday. A caller falsely reported gunshots at the address. Officers coordinated with Barrett’s security detail and quickly determined the report was fictitious. The incident adds to a pattern of threats targeting conservative justices since the court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

How the Hoax Unfolded

Fairfax County police received the call through their nonemergency line at approximately 9:02 p.m. ET. A caller who identified themselves as a neighbor reported hearing gunshots at Barrett’s address. Police dispatch audio shows officers suspected a false emergency from the start after they could not reach the original caller to verify the report. Officers met with Barrett’s 24-hour security detail assigned to the residence and confirmed the call was fictitious. No additional police resources were deployed.

What Swatting Is and Why It Matters

Swatting refers to making false emergency calls to send armed police to a target’s home. The tactic is designed to harass, intimidate, or harm the victim. Police confirmed the call was fictitious after speaking with Barrett’s security. Swatting incidents have increasingly targeted elected officials, judges, and public figures in recent years. The practice can create dangerous situations when armed officers arrive at a residence.

A Pattern of Threats Against Justices

Barrett’s family has faced multiple threats. In March 2025, her sister Amanda Coney Williams was targeted by a bomb threat at her home in Charleston, South Carolina. Barrett’s relatives have also received suspicious pizzas, a tactic sometimes used in harassment campaigns. Security concerns intensified after the 2022 Roe v. Wade decision. Other justices have faced similar attacks. A woman was sentenced in October to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh near his home in 2022.

Barrett Returns to Work

Barrett was on the bench Thursday morning for Supreme Court decisions. She read aloud summaries of two opinions she authored and made no public mention of the Wednesday incident. Her appearance showed normal court operations continued despite the security scare. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges for federal judges in an environment of heightened political tensions.

Final Thoughts

Swatting attacks on federal judges are rising and pose real safety risks. Barrett’s incident underscores the need for stronger legal penalties and security measures to protect the judiciary.

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