Security Warning for U.S. Courthouses Ahead of Election

By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) – A top security official in the U.S. federal judiciary warned judges that courthouses could face security threats as the Nov. 5 election approaches, highlighting that they are often targeted “during times of increased national tension.”

Paul Gamble, the chief of the facilities and security office of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, stated in a memo dated Sept. 23 that no court facilities had been affected by recent election-related security events.

However, he noted that law enforcement and intelligence organizations have raised security concerns regarding incidents associated with the upcoming election, including suspicious letters sent to state officials.

Gamble attached an alert from the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service about recent incidents where election officials in various states received letters containing suspicious substances, including one from a group identifying itself as “United States Traitor Elimination Army.”

He recommended courts engage with the U.S. Marshals Service to discuss potential local threats, coordinate with local law enforcement on protective measures, and review emergency notification procedures and safe mail handling practices.

The Administrative Office, the judiciary’s administrative arm, had no comment.

Early voting is ongoing in several states leading up to the Nov. 5 election, where Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is running against Republican former President Donald Trump.

Courts are preparing for an increase in election-related litigation, some of which has already begun.

The judiciary aims to enhance security amid rising threats against judges nationwide. According to the Marshals Service, serious threats against federal judges grew to 457 in fiscal year 2023, compared to 224 in fiscal year 2021.

This increase began following the 2020 presidential election and included highly politicized cases, such as those attempted by Trump and his supporters to overturn his loss to Biden.

Additionally, the judiciary is wary of potential cyber breaches by foreign entities that may seek to disrupt election-related litigation or disseminate misinformation.