Amid Abortion Rights Protests, Youngkin Seeks Police Presence At Justices' VA Homes

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — As several abortions rights protests have been held outside Supreme Court justices' homes after the Roe v. Wade draft opinion leak, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called for an increased police presence around three justices' Fairfax County homes.

Youngkin wrote a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and County Executive Bryan Hill calling for Fairfax County police to provide an "expanded security perimeter" around the three homes. Supreme Court justices who live in Fairfax County are Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett and Clarence Thomas.

"This request is based on credible and specific information received about upcoming activities planned at or involving the homes of the Justices in Fairfax County," Youngkin wrote. "We believe for the safety of the Justices and their families, their neighbors, and the law enforcement heroes dedicated to preserving peace and order in our communities, that an expanded security perimeter should be established."

In the letter, Youngkin also expressed opposition to the protests, saying "they are meant to intimidate and influence the Justices, not to mention, scaring their families and small children."

Youngkin said the Virginia State Police are prepared to assist with a security perimeter, which would involve limiting unauthorized vehicles and pedestrian access. The governor cited events planned on Wednesday involving the homes.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay responded in a letter, affirming the police department's commitment "to keeping the Justices, their families, the affected neighborhoods, and demonstrators safe. However, McKay said Youngkin's perimeter suggestion to limit unauthorized vehicle or pedestrian access violates the Fourth Amendment and has First Amendment concerns.

McKay noted there have been pro-abortion and anti-abortion gatherings outside Alito's home that remained peaceful.

"We are committed to working within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to ensure the safety of the Justices, their families, affected neighborhoods and those gathered to express a variety of viewpoints," McKay wrote.

Federal law enforcement has bolstered security for the justices after the draft Roe v. Wade opinion was leaked, according to ABC News. On Monday, the U.S. Senate passed a bill for justices and their families to have security details, and it heads to the House. On Wednesday, the Senate failed to pass legislation to codify Roe v. Wade.

On Monday, a group of about 100 gathered outside Alito's home in Fort Hunt, prompting Fairfax County police to respond. Politico, which first leaked the document, noted that Alito wrote the draft majority opinion in support of overturning Roe v. Wade. Fairfax County police confirmed to Patch the gathering was peaceful and there were no arrests.

There were also protests this past weekend outside the homes of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh in Chevy Chase, Maryland. A nationwide day of abortion rights protests is to be held Saturday.

SEE ALSO:

• VA High School Students Walk Out Over Roe V. Wade Leaked Decision
• Abortion To Remain Legal In VA If Roe V. Wade Overturned