Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin has launched a preliminary investigation into Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) over threatening remarks he made toward Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch in 2020.
The probe centers on Schumer’s comments during a rally on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court, where he warned the justices they would “pay the price” if they voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
READ: Schumer Says Voters Just “Didn’t Realize How Much” Democrats Have Done For Them
In March 2020, Schumer addressed a crowd of abortion rights supporters, criticizing Republican-led efforts to restrict reproductive rights in states like Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. He then directed his remarks at Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch, who were appointed by former President Donald Trump.
“I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price,” Schumer said. “You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.”
WATCH:
The comments sparked an immediate backlash, with critics accusing Schumer of threatening the justices. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement condemning the remarks, calling them “inappropriate” and “dangerous.”
Schumer later walked back his statements on the Senate floor, claiming he had not intended to threaten the justices but had instead used “strong language” to express his frustration.
In a January 21 letter, U.S. Attorney Ed Martin said, “We take threats against public officials very seriously,” Martin wrote in the letter addressed to Schumer. “I look forward to your cooperation.”
READ: Hakeem Jeffries Faces Backlash Over ‘Fight In The Streets’ Comment
The inquiry comes as part of a broader effort by the Justice Department to address threats against public officials and ensure accountability. Martin’s inquiry will examine whether Schumer’s comments violated federal laws prohibiting threats or intimidation against judges and other public officials.
Meanwhile, last week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) sparked controversy as he appeared to urge his supporters to “fight” Trump’s agenda “in the streets,” prompting Republican backlash and accusations of inciting political violence.
Speaking at the press conference, Jeffries rejected Trump’s assertion that DEI-driven hiring in air traffic control could have played a role in the crash, which involved a commercial airliner and a military Black Hawk helicopter, killing 67 people.
“President Trump’s response to this tragedy is not only irresponsible but also a complete misdirection,” Jeffries said. “At a time when we should be focused on the facts and supporting the victims’ families, he is using this moment to push baseless political narratives.”
Trump, in his earlier remarks, blamed DEI hiring policies for potentially compromising aviation safety, vowing to roll back diversity-focused hiring across federal agencies, including the FAA.
While Jeffries criticized Trump’s rhetoric, his own closing remarks in Brooklyn stirred controversy.
“We’re gonna keep focused on the need to look out for everyday New Yorkers and everyday Americans who are under assault by an extreme MAGA Republican agenda,” Jeffries declared.
READ: Federal Judge Pauses Florida Lawsuit Against DOJ Over Trump Assassination Attempt
“They are trying to cut taxes for billionaire donors and wealthy corporations, then stick New Yorkers and working-class Americans across the country with the bill. That’s not acceptable. We are going to fight it legislatively, we are going to fight it in the courts, we’re gonna fight it in the streets,” said Jeffries.
His statement immediately drew criticism from Republican leaders, who accused him of promoting violence.
“Will Minority Leader Jeffries apologize for this disgusting threat?” asked the White House. “Or will he double down on the same calls for violence that have plagued the country for years?”
READ: Trump Orders Immediate Review Of FAA Hiring, Safety Protocols Following Deadly Plane Collision
The controversy comes at a time of escalating tensions in Washington, as Trump’s administration moves forward with reversing Biden-era policies on issues such as DEI hiring, immigration, and national security.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
