Alaska man charged for threatening Supreme Court justices in 2023

An Alaska man, Panos Anastasiou, was arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate six Supreme Court justices and harm their family members. The Justice Department reported that he sent over 465 messages filled with violent, racist, and homophobic language through an online portal between January and July 2023. Anastasiou's threats included intentions to kidnap, torture, and execute the justices, reflecting his anger towards their judicial decisions. The threats were aimed at retaliating against the justices for their official actions, particularly in light of controversial rulings on issues like abortion and gun rights. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of a justice system free from intimidation, asserting that judges must be able to make decisions based on law rather than fear for their safety. Anastasiou faces multiple charges, including nine counts of making threats against federal judges and 13 counts of making threats in interstate commerce. During his court appearance, he pleaded not guilty, and his attorney was not listed in court records. The justices targeted in the indictment were not named, referred to only as "Supreme Court justices 1-6." The Supreme Court has faced significant criticism in recent years, particularly due to its conservative majority and decisions that have sparked public outrage. This incident underscores the growing tensions surrounding the judiciary and the potential dangers faced by public officials in fulfilling their duties.