‘It’s Getting Worse’: Federal Judges Warn of Rising Threats, ‘Dog Whistles’ From Political Leaders

U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas on Wednesday criticized top Department of Justice officials for their silence in the face of ongoing threats and violence against judges, saying “that silence says a lot.” Her comments came during the 2026 Legalweek panel in Manhattan, where she spoke with fellow U.S. District Court Judges Kenly Kato, Karoline Mehalchick and Mia Perez.

       

U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas on Wednesday criticized top Department of Justice officials for their silence in the face of ongoing threats and violence against judges, saying “that silence says a lot.” Her comments came during the 2026 Legalweek panel in Manhattan, where she spoke with fellow U.S. District Court Judges Kenly Kato, Karoline Mehalchick and Mia Perez.