Context:

Senator Dick Durbin has urged the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate anonymous pizza deliveries sent to federal judges' homes, which are perceived as intimidation tactics. These deliveries reportedly include names of deceased individuals, such as Judge Esther Salas's son, who was murdered by a deliveryman. Durbin stressed the threats these incidents pose to judicial independence and called for measures to protect judges and their families. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining or increasing the workforce of the U.S. Marshals Service, responsible for the security of the federal judiciary. Additionally, Durbin requested updates on any investigations and actions taken to prevent further threats, with a deadline for responses set for May 20.

Dive Deeper:

• Federal judges and their relatives have recently been targeted by anonymous pizza deliveries, perceived as threats indicating the sender's knowledge of the recipients' addresses. These incidents have included references to Judge Esther Salas's son, Daniel Anderl, who was murdered by a former litigant posing as a deliveryman.

• Senator Dick Durbin has called for an immediate investigation by the Department of Justice and the FBI to identify those responsible and to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The incidents threaten judicial independence and the rule of law by intimidating judges and their families.

• Durbin has requested that Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel provide information on steps taken to protect affected judges and their families and to prevent further threats. He emphasized the critical role of the U.S. Marshals Service in ensuring the security of the judiciary.

• The Senator expressed concern over reports that the U.S. Marshals Service Acting Director Mark P. Pittella had offered employees the opportunity to resign, stressing that reducing the agency's workforce amid increasing threats is unacceptable. He urged support for maintaining or increasing the current number of employees to ensure effective protection.

• Durbin has asked for a briefing and responses to specific questions by May 20, including the number of anonymous pizza deliveries, whether investigations were prompted, and if any suspects have been identified. He also requested that sensitive information be sent under a separate cover if necessary.