Protesters marched to the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito after the leak of his anti-abortion draft opinion.
Demonstrators held a candlelight vigil outside the residence as around 100 protesters were present in Alexandria, Virginia just outside of Washington, DC on Monday evening.
Tension is rising over the court’s stance on the 1973 landmark decision, Roe v Wade, which legalised abortion across the US – a right activists worry is in jeopardy.
The leaked draft opinion written by Justice Alito outlining his case for overturning Roe v Wade revealed that there’s a conservative majority on the court for such a move.
Justice Alito is the third justice to face demonstrations at his home after the breach of the court’s confidentiality.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts also found groups of protesters outside their private residences, prompting criticism from conservatives arguing that the pro-choice activists had gone too far in pressuring the justices at their homes.
It remains unclear if Justice Alito was at home during the Monday night protest. Demonstrators held signs with messages such as “Repro Freedom for All” and lit candles on the driveway. They chanted slogans, including “our body, our rights, our right to decide!” and “abort the court!”
Republican legislators are divided on if they should mount a national ban on abortion after the likely overturning of Roe v Wade and the decision is returned to the states.
The decision could be overturned as soon as next month and Democrats in the Senate look likely to fail in their efforts to make their own push for abortion rights legislation.
Student Heather-Ann Irons, 22, told Politico that she, “would hope it motivates people to the polls”.
But she added that “what’s more important is building community and increasing grassroots funds for people who actually need access to abortion. There’s only so much you can do with voting”.
As conservatives grew frustrated by the protests at the homes of the justices, the Senate approved more security funding for the members of the country’s highest court on Monday.
Before the protest at his home, Justice Alito canceled an appearance in Nashville, Tennessee.
Outgoing White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted on Monday morning that President Joe Biden “strongly believes in the constitutional right to protest. But that should never include violence, threats, or vandalism. Judges perform an incredibly important function in our society, and they must be able to do their jobs without concern for their personal safety”.
Pro-choice demonstrations will continue this week, as activists from more than 30 progressive advocacy organizations, such as Planned Parenthood and the Women’s March, have planned to organize a day of protest across the US on Saturday.
