Judge Who Ruled Against Arizona Immigration Law Receiving Hundreds Of Threats

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton began receiving hundreds of threats within hours of her ruling on Arizona’s immigration law.

“She has been inundated,” said U.S. Marshal David Gonzales, indicating his agents are taking some seriously. “About 99.9 percent of the inappropriate comments are people venting. They are exercising their First Amendment rights and a lot of it is perverted. But it’s that 0.1 percent that goes over the line that we are taking extra seriously.”

Gonzales would not say if any threats were coming from recognized hate groups or if Bolton had received threats at her home. Nor would he discuss any extra security measures, which U.S. marshals routinely provide federal judges.

“It is policy at a juncture like this to increase security at the courthouse. Beyond that, I cannot discuss security matters,” Gonzales said.

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Gonzales said the increase in threats coincides with more online use and the proliferation of blogs. On Thursday he said his agents were aware of hateful threats made about Bolton online since her ruling Wednesday morning. A quick scan shows numerous sites and discussion forums where Bolton is called traitor or other unprintable names.

Think Progress notes that Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) closed his Yuma office after finding a window shattered and a bullet inside.

“A shattered window and bullet inside the office were found earlier today. Police are investigating the incident and have not released details about a potential motive,” Grijalva’s office said in a statement. “Rep. Grijalva intends to open the office again as soon as possible.”

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.