Gov. Murphy Signs NJ Law To Better Protect Judges, Prosecutors

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday signed a bill into law that protects the home addresses and telephone numbers of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers from public disclosure.

Known as “Daniel’s Law,” the bill is named in honor of Daniel Anderl, the son of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas, who was killed after a gunman opened fire at their North Brunswick home on July 19.

The gunman, who the FBI identified as Roy Den Hollander, was an anti-feminist lawyer who had a case pending before Salas.

“This is a renewed commitment to ensure our judiciary, prosecutors, and members of law enforcement who answer the call of justice can do so without fear for their personal safety, or that of their loved ones,” Murphy said.

“By shielding the home addresses and private contact information for those who serve on the bench and enforce our laws, we are demonstrating that in the face of unspeakable tragedy, New Jersey responds not with thoughts and prayers, but with concrete action.”

Read More Here: Suspect In Fatal Shooting Of Judge's Son In NJ Is Dead: Feds

Sala had pleaded for stricter laws to protect public officials after the shooting. On Friday, she thanked Murphy and "all the men and women of the New Jersey State Legislature for enacting this trailblazing legislation.”

“We hope this law can be a steppingstone to improving the security of my sisters and brothers who serve as federal judges throughout the country. Nobody should be forced to endure the kind of pain my family has experienced ever again,” she said.

Salas, appearing with Murphy during a news conference, recalled her son’s words and said she’s glad the state was doing its part to protect officials.

“Daniel used to say, ‘Mom, I love talking with you.’ I know Daniel is listening now, and he is smiling down on us today because he knows that with this bill signing, we are doing our part to ensure that his death will not be in vain,” she said.

Read More Here: NJ Federal Judge Whose Son Was Murdered: Judges Need More Privacy

The primary sponsors of A1649 include Assembly members Annette Quijano, Yvonne Lopez, Craig Coughlin, and Ralph Caputo, and Senators Joe Cryan, Nicholas Scutari, Nellie Pou, and Bob Smith.

The bill amends the Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”) to exclude from the definition of a government record any document that discloses the home address of any active or retired judge, prosecutor or law enforcement officer.

The bill also prohibits government agencies, individuals and businesses from knowingly publishing the home address or unpublished home telephone number of any active or retired judge or any active or retired prosecutor.

Officials can request published information to be removed from the Internet. The government agency, individual or business would be required to remove the information within 72 hours of receiving the request in writing.

“Making tough decisions is part of the job for judges and prosecutors. Sometimes these decisions aren’t popular, and they become a target. It’s frightening to think that disgruntled individuals may be able to find their home addresses and personal phone numbers readily available at the touch of a button," Quijano, Lopez, Coughlin and Caputo said in a joint statement.

“As a representative and resident from Middlesex County, I was shocked, heartbroken and angered by the home attack on Judge Salas and her family, which left her husband critically wounded and ended in the death of her son, Daniel,” said Sen. Bob Smith.

“The Salas family are among my constituents, so it is important for me that I am a part of any action we take in response to this horrific incident,” he said.

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said Anderl’s tragic death reminds everyone that disclosing personal information can leave judges and their family members vulnerable to threats and violence.

“We are grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for taking this important step to provide common sense protections for active and retired judges and their families, along with others in the justice system, in the hope that a future tragedy can be prevented,” said Rabner.

Attorney general Gurbir S Grewal, who was also present at Andrel's funeral mass, said judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers help in keeping the public safe, but often jeopardize their own safety

“We need to protect them as they protect all of us. This commonsense law will go a long way to ensure the privacy and security of these public servants and their families,” said Grewal.

US Sen. Cory Booker said that no federal judge should ever have to live in fear of being targeted by someone who can easily access their personal information

“Judge Salas and her husband, Mark, have gone through something that no parent should ever have to endure. I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Murphy, Senator Cryan, and Assemblywoman Quijano as we honor the memory of Daniel with a commitment that this should never happen again,” he said.

Read More Here:

'Offered His Life:' Funeral For Judge's Son In South Brunswick

Anderl was killed on July 19 and his funeral was held on Sep. 26.

He was a 2018 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen and a student at Catholic University of America.

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