Summary
An Alaska man, Panos Anastasiou, has been indicted for sending over 465 threatening messages aimed at injuring and killing six Supreme Court justices and their family members. The 76-year-old faces 22 federal charges, including making threats against federal judges and interstate commerce threats, with potential prison sentences of up to 155 years if convicted.
The messages, sent through a public court website between March 2023 and July 2024, included graphic threats of assassination and torture, as well as racist and homophobic language. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that these threats were made in retaliation for judicial decisions Anastasiou disagreed with. The justices targeted in the threats were not explicitly named in the indictment, but the language used has led to speculation about potential targets, including prominent conservative justices. Anastasiou’s case reflects a broader trend of increasing threats against public officials, particularly in the context of heightened political tensions in the United States.
Details of the Threats
Anastasiou’s communications reportedly escalated in severity over time, with some messages containing explicit threats to lynch justices and to use firearms against them. In one instance, he suggested he would provide the means for a hanging, while in another, he expressed a desire to drive by a justice’s home and shoot it up with fellow veterans. Such violent rhetoric has raised alarms about the safety of judicial officials amid a national climate of political violence.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest in Anchorage, Anastasiou pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The Justice Department emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment for judges to perform their duties without fear for their lives. If convicted, Anastasiou faces severe penalties, underscoring the legal system’s stance against threats aimed at public officials. The case is part of a worrying trend of increasing threats against judges and other officials, as highlighted by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Opinion: SCOTUS is not some mystical branch that can do no wrong
Dec. 7 / The Portland Press Herald / Analyzes the ethical concerns surrounding Supreme Court justices, particularly Justice Thomas. While insightful, it diverges from the main topic, making it less relevant to the immediate case of Anastasiou. “ Supreme Court justices should be some of the most ethical people in our country. We trust them with the power of judicial review, deciding right from wrong....
Supreme Court Declines Request From Elon Musk’s X To Review Jack Smith’s Trump Account Warrant
Oct. 7 / Dailycaller / Covers the broader implications of the case, connecting it to rising threats against public officials. It includes background information on similar incidents, enhancing context for readers interested in judicial safety. “ The Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a challenge to a search warrant special counsel Jack Smith obtained for former President Donald Trump’s X account....
Alaska man, 76, 'sent torture and assassination threats to six Supreme Court judges'
Sep. 19 / Daily Express Us / Provides a detailed account of the threats made by Anastasiou, including specific examples that illustrate the severity of the situation. The inclusion of Garland's comments reinforces the gravity of the indictment. “ An Alaska man has been charged with threatening to assassinate six US Supreme Court justices and some of their family members. Panos Anastasiou, 76, is...
Alaska man charged with making death threats against Supreme Court justices
Sep. 19 / Nbc News / Presents a comprehensive overview of the case, detailing the legal charges and the nature of the threats. The article effectively portrays the urgency of the situation, making it a strong source for understanding the indictment. “ An Alaska man has been indicted on charges that he sent racist and violent threats against six Supreme Court justices and their family members. Federal...
Man charged with sending graphic threats to kill Supreme Court justices
Sep. 19 / Abc News / Summarizes the indictment succinctly, providing essential details about the charges against Anastasiou. While less detailed, it serves as a quick reference for readers seeking a straightforward account of the case. “ WASHINGTON -- An Alaska man accused of sending graphic threats to injure and kill six Supreme Court justices and some of their family members has been...
Alaska man arrested, charged with threatening to torture, kill Supreme Court justices
Sep. 19 / Upi / Reports on the arrest and charges, emphasizing the alarming content of the threats. It succinctly captures the essence of the indictment, making it a useful source for readers looking for concise information. “ Sept. 19 (UPI) -- The Justice Department Thursday reported the arrest of an Alaska man Wednesday for allegedly threatening to injure and kill six U.S....
Alaska Man Charged With Threatening To Torture And Kill Supreme Court Justices
Sep. 19 / Huffpost / Highlights the alarming nature of Anastasiou's threats with a clear focus on the consequences for public officials. It effectively quotes Attorney General Garland, emphasizing the importance of judicial safety. “ WASHINGTON (AP) — An Alaska man accused of sending graphic threats to injure and kill six Supreme Court justices and some of their family members has been...
Alaska man charged with threats to torture, murder conservative Supreme Court justices
Sep. 19 / New York Post / Focuses on the political context, suggesting potential targets among conservative justices. It provides vivid examples of Anastasiou's threats, making the narrative engaging and alarming for readers concerned about political violence. “ An Alaska man has been charged with threatening to torture and murder six Supreme Court justices — including two of the high court’s best-known conservatives...
Man Charged With Threatening to Kill Supreme Court Donated to Democrats
Sep. 19 / Newsweek / Offers critical background on Anastasiou's political donations, adding a layer of complexity to his motivations. It connects the threats to a broader trend of political violence, appealing to readers interested in political dynamics. “ Panos Anastasiou, a 76-year-old Alaska man, arrested Wednesday for threatening to injure and kill six Supreme Court justices, according to the U.S. , has...