FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA – Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s home was targeted in an apparent “swatting” attempt Wednesday night, according to reports.
“Swatting” refers to making false calls to emergency or police services to draw law enforcement personnel to a location. NBC News reports that Fairfax County police received the call about the justice’s residence through the department’s non-emergency line just after 9 p.m.
Fairfax police said their officers coordinated with Supreme Court Police personnel and quickly determined that the call was a hoax.
According to a source cited by the SCOTUS Blog, the fake call claimed gunshots were heard in the area of Barrett’s house.
SCOTUS Blog noted the justices have had 24-hour security since at least 2022, when protests were organized outside of their homes after the court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to abortion. NBC reported that the home of Barrett’s sister, Amanda Coney Williams, also received a bomb threat in March 2025.
Reports said Barrett was on hand for decisions Thursday morning.
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