The Denver Police Department announced on Tuesday that it is investigating incidents targeting Colorado Supreme Court justices. Additional patrols have been deployed around the justices’ homes in Denver in response to concerns for their safety. These actions follow the recent decision by the state’s highest court to remove former President Donald Trump from Colorado’s presidential primary ballot.
Donald Trump, the former president, is seen on December 19, 2023. Police announced on December 26, 2023, that they are looking into acts that were aimed toward the justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, following the court’s ruling to exclude Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot. (Source: VOA News/AP News)
Security Probe of Colorado Supreme Court Investigation
The police department, while refraining from providing specific details on the investigations due to safety and privacy concerns, emphasized its commitment to thoroughly investigate any reports of threats or harassment directed at the justices. An incident at the home of one justice on Thursday evening is also under investigation, although it is believed to be a hoax report. Collaborating with local law enforcement, the FBI is actively addressing the matter. A spokesperson from the Denver FBI office, Vikki Migoya, stated that they will vigorously pursue investigations into any threats or acts of violence driven by extremist views, regardless of the motivation.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s decision, reached by a 4-3 majority, overturned a district court judge’s ruling. The judge had found that while Trump may have incited the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, he could not be barred from the presidential ballot. The state’s highest court disagreed, siding with arguments that preventing former Confederates from low-level offices but not the presidency would be nonsensical. The decision is temporarily stayed until January 4, pending a potential ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, as Colorado officials face a deadline of January 5 to finalize presidential primary ballots.
