U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island said he and his family faced multiple credible death threats after he issued rulings against the Trump administration, including an order in 2025 temporarily blocking a broad freeze on federal spending. Speaking publicly about the experience, McConnell said the threats intensified after his decisions drew widespread political criticism, adding that some incidents targeted members of his family and required heightened security measures.

McConnell said the threats included repeated hostile messages and incidents that he described as deeply unsettling. According to reports, his courthouse received hundreds of threatening communications, and authorities investigated several of the most serious cases. His comments add to concerns expressed by judges across the federal judiciary over rising intimidation tied to high-profile legal disputes involving politically divisive issues. Judicial officials have warned that increased threats could undermine the independence of the courts and have called for additional resources to protect judges and their families.