Democratic Delaware Senator Chris Coons evaded a question about whether protesters demonstrating outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices should be arrested and prosecuted under federal law.
Appearing as a guest on “Fox News Sunday,” Coons touted a bill he co-sponsored to strengthen security for Supreme Court Justices in the wake of ongoing protests outside their homes and the alleged assassination plot against Justice Brett Kavanaugh earlier this week. During the interview, host Bret Baier pointed out that federal law already contains a provision that prohibits demonstrations outside the homes of jurists with intent to obstruct or influence the judicial process.
“We’re getting ready for this ruling, and it’s going to be controversial no matter what happens, if it matches the leaked draft opinion or not. There is this law on the books… should they follow the law, should the Attorney General say, ‘yes arrest those people before something happens?'” Baier asked.
“Well Bret, I think if the leaked version of the opinion is matched by what would be a remarkable act of judicial activism, conservative judicial activism, there will be understandable anger across the nation. As an elected official, I certainly have had protests outside of my house. Many of us have who serve in Congress or other elected offices. But we need to make sure that all appropriate actions are being taken to ensure the safety of members of our federal judiciary, including Supreme Court justices.”
Democrat Senator Chris Coons won’t say if he thinks those illegally protesting outside the homes of Supreme Court justices should be arrested.
“As an elected official, I’ve certainly had protests out front of my house.” pic.twitter.com/3AlTNPuhbS
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 12, 2022
“Ok, so don’t arrest the protesters based on that title, I got it. That’s what you’re saying,” Baier concluded.
“Bret, let’s be clear,” Coons cut in. “I did not say don’t arrest protesters. I am simply saying all appropriate action should be taken to ensure the safety of Supreme Court justices. I’m not going to say this protester or that protester ought to be arrested. I just think that is a judgment call to be made by law enforcement, not by a Senator on a Sunday show.”
“Understood, but they haven’t been arrested yet. Nobody has,” Baier pointed out.