Senate Dem urges Trump DOJ, FBI to probe anonymous pizza deliveries to judges
The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Dick Durbin, has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI to launch an immediate investigation into a series of anonymous pizza deliveries that have been sent to judges’ homes. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, Durbin expressed grave concern over the threats posed by these deliveries, which are clearly intended to intimidate and harass federal judges and their families.
Durbin highlighted the fact that federal judges and their relatives have been targeted with anonymous deliveries in recent months. These deliveries, he noted, are a clear attempt to demonstrate that the individuals behind them have access to personal information about the judges and their loved ones. The Senator emphasized that these incidents not only endanger the safety of the judges and their families but also pose a serious threat to judicial independence and the rule of law.
The letter specifically referenced the tragic case of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, whose son Daniel Anderl was killed in July 2020 by a gunman who posed as a delivery driver. Judge Salas’ husband was also critically wounded in the attack. Since then, Judge Salas and other judges have reported receiving mysterious pizza deliveries at their homes, with some even using the name of her deceased son on the order.
In addition to calling for an investigation into these incidents, Durbin urged Bondi and Patel to provide information on the steps taken by the DOJ and the FBI to protect the targeted judges and their families. He also raised concerns about reports that the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) workforce may be reduced, at a time when threats against judges are on the rise. Durbin emphasized the importance of maintaining or increasing the current number of USMS employees to ensure the safety of the federal judiciary.
The letter requested that Bondi and Patel brief the Senate Judiciary Committee and provide responses to a series of questions by May 20. These questions include the number of anonymous pizza deliveries sent to judges’ homes since President Trump’s Inauguration Day, whether investigations were initiated in each case, and the identification of any suspects or potential coordination behind these threats.
Durbin concluded by calling on Bondi and Patel to take immediate action to investigate these incidents and hold those responsible accountable. He stressed the urgent need to protect the judiciary from threats and intimidation, and to ensure the safety and security of federal judges and their families. Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ and the FBI for comment on the matter but has not received a response as of yet.
