Merrick Garland is failing in his duty to protect Supreme Court justices

Section 1507’s language applies not just to justices’ homes but to a “building … occupied or used by such judge,” so it arguably could apply to a restaurant being “used” by the judge. Even if not, though, at least two federal or D.C. laws against stalking or harassment conceivably could be invoked in these cases. One person trying one time to block an official from dining would not qualify as “stalking” (an offense committed only through at least two instances of behavior), but in this case, the organization ShutDownDC is engaged in a concerted and ongoing effort to intimidate, cause emotional distress, and otherwise badger justices. It stands to reason that if any person in ShutDownDC has done so more than once, he should be held accountable for stalking.

It is not enough that Supreme Court justices get personal security details. Security details cannot provide airtight protection. There is nothing wrong, indeed everything right, with using civil and appropriate means of political protest. However, harassment and intimidation go way too far. Especially in today’s volatile political climate, it behooves federal authorities strictly to enforce all laws against such personally directed torment.

If the U.S. attorney general refuses to enforce such laws and a tragedy ensues, he will be partly morally culpable. Garland’s dereliction is unconscionable. President Joe Biden should order him, upon penalty of dismissal, to do his job and enforce the laws.