WASHINGTON — Threats against the nation’s judges and prosecutors have sharply increased, prompting hundreds to get 24-hour protection from U.S. marshals. The problem has become so pronounced that a “threat management” center recently opened in Arlington, Va., where marshals and analysts monitor a 24-hour number for reporting threats, use mapping software to track those being threatened and tap a classified database linked to the FBI and CIA.
The threats and other harassing communications against federal court personnel have more than doubled in the past six years, from 592 to 1,278, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Officials blame disgruntled defendants whose anger is fueled by the Internet; terrorism and gang cases that bring more violent offenders; frustration at the economic crisis; and the rise of the “sovereign citizen” movement — a loose collection of tax protesters, white supremacists and others who don’t respect federal authority.
