Republicans Point at Local and Federal Law Enforcement After Supreme Court Marshall Asks Youngkin to Respond to Protests at Justices Homes

The U.S. Supreme Court marshall has asked Governor Glenn Youngkin to enforce state law in response to protesters outside justices’ homes, according to ABC News, but Youngkin’s office placed the main responsibility on local authorities in statements to the media.

In a new statement Tuesday, Youngkin spokesperson Christian Martinez said, “Governor Youngkin has condemned picketing at the homes of the Supreme Court Justices. At the direction of the Governor, Virginia State Police have been at the ready and in constant coordination in the protest response which is led by the local primary authorities, the Fairfax County Police Department. The Governor remains in regular contact with the justices themselves and holds their safety as an utmost priority. Governor Youngkin will continue to push for every resource of federal law enforcement, including the U.S. Marshalls, to be involved while the justices continue to be denied the right to live peacefully in their homes.”

Fairfax County Police Department spokesperson Second Lieutenant Jason Chandler said in a statement, “The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is responsible for maintaining public safety throughout the county, including at the homes of one retired and three sitting justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. FCPD is also tasked with protecting the constitutional rights of our community members, including First Amendment protected speech and the right to peacefully assemble.”

“Our Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU) is trained to help crowds that gather to express their views and are well versed on the laws that govern these planned gatherings. Our officers work to provide a safe space for individuals to exercise First Amendment rights and also maintain community safety,” the statement continued. “FCPD works with its regional partners ahead of all major events, including the Virginia State Police (VSP) and others. This high level of cooperation is necessary as events throughout the region frequently cross boundaries and require a regional response.”

In a document reminding the public of applicable laws, FCPD highlights laws against picketing outside homes, obstructing free passage of others, laws about riots and unlawful assembly, crossing police lines, disorderly conduct, and stopping on highways.

Delegate Tim Anderson (R-Virginia Beach), who is a lawyer, told The Virginia Star, “Virginia law provides a class 3 misdemeanor for picketing in front of any person’s home (18.2-419). In addition, there is a civil proceeding that could request an injunction against groups and persons picketing. Should an injunction be granted and picketing were to continue, the Court could hold picketers in contempt of court, which could involve jail time. Finally, Virginia law allows for police to arrest for failure to follow lawful orders under 18.2-464 such as ordering disbursements of protestors from residential property.”… (Excerpt from the Virginia Star)