Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) requested assistance from the Fairfax Police Department on Wednesday, calling for local law enforcement to “establish an expanded security perimeter” around the private residences of Supreme Court justices.
Youngkin sent a letter to the Fairfax County Board confirming that the request was a response to the continued and credible threat posed by ongoing planned demonstrations outside the homes of sitting justices, three of whom reside in Fairfax County.
“I am writing to respectfully request that the Fairfax County Police Department establish an expanded security perimeter around the homes of the three current Supreme Court Justices who reside in Fairfax County,” Younkgin’s letter began.
“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. 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,” Youngkin continued, noting that a well-defined perimeter would not only ensure safety and security of the Justices and their neighbors but for the protesters as well.
Youngkin also noted that the Virginia State Police were prepared to offer backup to local law enforcement officers should the need arise.
“The Virginia State Police have offered and stand ready to provide their assistance to Fairfax County Police. We are prepared to provide the manpower and resources necessary to ensure a safe perimeter, which should include limited unauthorized vehicle and pedestrian access, and be established prior to planned events on Wednesday, May 11, 2022,” he added.
Youngkin concluded by making it clear that he did not believe protesters should be allowed to gather outside the Justices’ private residences at all, adding, “In addition to my clear safety concerns, I fundamentally believe such demonstrations and picketing should not be allowed at the Justices’ homes as they are meant to intimidate and influence the Justices, not to mention, scaring their families and small children.”
Fox News’ Gillian Turner responded to Youngkin’s letter during Wednesday’s broadcast of “America Reports,” and she told anchor John Roberts that she lived nearby one of the justices.
“I’m not going to tell you who,” she said, noting that often when she passed the house, she thought about just how vulnerable they might be. “It’s about time we provided these very vulnerable high profile public figures with some degree of protection,” she concluded.