Judge John McConnell Faces Death Threats After Trump Rulings

U.S. District Judge John McConnell, the chief federal judge in Rhode Island, has been targeted by a series of intimidation tactics and death threats following rulings against President Donald Trump and his administration. McConnell blocked a federal funding freeze and ruled against an immigration-related application freeze, triggering a wave of harassment.

The U.S. Marshals Service identified six credible death threats against the judge. Other incidents included approximately 400 disturbing calls and emails to the federal courthouse and the delivery of an unordered pizza to McConnell's home addressed to the son of a murdered judge. A Republican member of Congress also attempted to impeach the judge.

The harassment was amplified on social media by far-right activist Laura Loomer and Elon Musk, who shared a photo of McConnell's daughter. Additionally, James Percival, General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, posted a list of federal judges labeled as the "Worst of the Worst."

The U.S. Marshals Service reported a 57 percent increase in security incidents of significant concern at federal courts during fiscal year 2025, noting that the threat environment is expected to intensify.