The FBI is collaborating with Colorado law enforcement following threats against state Supreme Court justices who recently ruled to remove Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 presidential ballot. FBI Public Affairs Officer Vikki Migoya affirmed their awareness of the situation and emphasized their commitment to investigating any threats or acts of violence tied to extremist views. While a spokesperson for the Colorado Judicial Branch refrained from commenting on the reported threats, Master Trooper Gary Cutler from the Colorado State Patrol indicated that any threats against judges would be handled locally.
Responding to an incident at a justice’s residence, the Denver Police Department mentioned an investigation into what seems to be a hoax report. They assured ongoing efforts while considering security, privacy, and the evolving nature of the investigation. Besides federal involvement, state and local law enforcement, along with non-government research groups, are monitoring extremist online forums for potential threats to public officials. The four Colorado Supreme Court justices’ names, involved in disqualifying Trump from the ballot, have surfaced in “incendiary” online posts, prompting calls to expose personal data. While analysis revealed no specific threats, it underscored a risk of violence from lone actors or small groups in response to the ruling.
A user on a far-right, pro-Trump website posted a message advocating violence against the Colorado justices, reflecting a pattern seen after previous federal indictments of Trump. Despite vague calls for civil unrest and violent language, there is a lack of specific plans in these online activities. The Colorado Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision ruled 4-3 that Trump is ineligible due to the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban,” barring his appearance on the state’s GOP primary ballot scheduled for March 5. The ruling is on hold until January 4, pending Trump’s appeal to the US Supreme Court, which could impact the issue nationally.
Concerns about threats directed at public officials have risen, including those targeting GOP holdouts during the House speakership appointment, Trump’s indictments, and progressive Rep. Ilhan Omar. Federal law enforcement remains vigilant about online rhetoric potentially translating into real-world violence, particularly following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. A Senate report released in June highlighted the failure to preemptively address the threats posted on social media before the insurrection.