Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, responded to a false report, known as a 'swatting call,' at the home of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett on the evening of May 28, 2026. Officers arrived at approximately 9:02 p.m. after receiving a call through the department’s non-emergency line. Upon arrival, they coordinated with Barrett's security detail, who confirmed that the report was fictitious. The police department stated that no additional resources were needed following their assessment of the situation.
This incident is part of a broader trend of increased threats against Supreme Court justices, particularly following the leaked draft opinion regarding Roe v. Wade in 2022. The police report indicated that swatting calls are intended to provoke a significant law enforcement response by falsely reporting serious crimes.
A partial audio recording of the police response surfaced, which included reports of gunshot sounds and a suspicious noise at a residence with 24-hour security. Justice Barrett continued her duties the following morning without mentioning the incident during court proceedings.
Senator Mike Lee commented on the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of swatting and advocating for severe penalties for offenders. The rise in threats against conservative figures has been noted, with previous incidents involving attempts on the lives of justices and other public figures.
