local
Supreme Court justices tell Congress their safety is at risk and more must be spent on security
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
By LINDSAY WHITEHURST
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers Tuesday that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives.
During a rare appearance by justices before Congr...
Key takeaway During a rare appearance by justices before Congress, Barrett said she had to wear a bulletproof vest home a few years ago, something she struggled to explain to her 12-year-old son.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The concerns over Supreme Court justices' safety, as expressed by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, have implications for the broader issue of judicial security across the country, including in Ector County. As judges and public officials in Odessa face similar threats and intimidation, the need for adequate security funding becomes increasingly relevant. The request for increased security funding for the Supreme Court, with a focus on expanding personal protection for justices, may set a precedent for local courts to reassess their own security measures. In the Permian Basin area, where public officials and judges are not immune to threats, the community should take note of the Supreme Court's budget request and consider the potential consequences of underfunding security for local judicial officials. The safety of judges and public officials is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the justice system, and Odessa residents should be aware of the potential risks and the need for proactive measures to ensure their protection.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By LINDSAY WHITEHURST
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers Tuesday that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives.
During a rare appearance by justices before Congr...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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