Senator Chuck Schumer’s controversial remarks targeting Supreme Court Justices spark a DOJ investigation, raising concerns about political rhetoric and violence.
At a Glance
- Sen. Chuck Schumer under DOJ investigation for comments about Supreme Court Justices
- Schumer warned Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch they would “pay the price” for potential rulings
- Chief Justice John Roberts publicly rebuked Schumer’s remarks as “inappropriate” and “dangerous”
- Trump administration takes proactive measures against violent political discourse
- Investigation led by Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin
Schumer’s Controversial Remarks and DOJ Response
In a startling turn of events, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer finds himself at the center of a Department of Justice investigation. The inquiry stems from remarks Schumer made in March 2020, targeting Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch. During a rally at the U.S. Supreme Court, Schumer issued what many perceived as a threat to the justices regarding potential rulings on abortion cases.
Schumer’s exact words, which have since become the focus of intense scrutiny, were: “I want to tell you, Gorsuch! I want to tell you, Kavanaugh! You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions,” Senator Chuck Schumer said. The Senator added, “You have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price.” These comments immediately drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
Today's Left:
First Schumer tells President-elect Trump: "You take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you."
Today he threatens 2 Supreme Court justices: "You will pay the price. You won't know what hit you."pic.twitter.com/jGQ8m5qcjB
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) March 4, 2020
Chief Justice Roberts’ Rare Rebuke
In an unusual move, Chief Justice John Roberts publicly admonished Schumer for his remarks. Roberts described the Senator’s comments as “inappropriate” and “dangerous,” underscoring the gravity of threatening language directed at members of the judiciary. This rare intervention by the Chief Justice highlighted the potential consequences of inflammatory political rhetoric.
“Justices know that criticism comes with the territory, but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous,” Chief Justice John Roberts said.
The rebuke from Roberts emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and independence of the federal judiciary, free from partisan pressures or threats. It also set the stage for broader discussions about the boundaries of political speech and the potential for such rhetoric to incite violence.
Trump Administration’s Response
The Trump administration has taken a firm stance against what it perceives as violent political discourse. Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, leading the investigation into Schumer’s comments, sent a letter to the Senator requesting clarification on his remarks. Martin’s approach reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing threats against public officials seriously.
“I respectfully request that you clarify your comments from March 4, 2020. We take threats against public officials very seriously. I look forward to your cooperation with my letter of inquiry after request,” Ed Martin said.
President Donald Trump himself weighed in on the controversy, characterizing Schumer’s remarks as a “direct and dangerous” threat. The President suggested that if a Republican had made similar comments, they would face severe repercussions, highlighting what he sees as a double standard in political discourse.
The investigation into Schumer’s comments occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in Washington. It raises important questions about the limits of free speech, particularly when it comes to statements that could be interpreted as threats against public officials. The DOJ’s inquiry seeks to determine whether Schumer’s remarks violated federal laws against threats or intimidation toward judges and public officials.
