Alaska man accused of sending violent threats to Supreme Court justices

An Alaska man, Panos Anastasiou, has been indicted on federal charges for sending graphic threats to injure and kill six Supreme Court justices and their family members. The 76-year-old is accused of sending over 465 messages through a public court website, including threats of assassination and torture, along with racist and homophobic rhetoric. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Anastasiou made these threats in retaliation for decisions he disagreed with, emphasizing the importance of public officials being able to do their jobs without fearing for their safety.

Anastasiou faces 22 counts, including nine counts of making threats against a federal judge and 13 counts of making threats in interstate commerce. Despite being released from detention with conditions not to contact any of the justices he threatened or their family members, Anastasiou’s aggressive rhetoric continued. During a hearing, messages where he called for the assassination of two Republican-appointed Supreme Court justices were highlighted. Anastasiou, a Vietnam veteran undergoing treatment for throat cancer, has no financial means other than his Social Security benefits.

Threats targeting federal judges have increased in recent years, with the U.S. Marshals Service noting a surge of violent messages directed at public officials. Anastasiou faces up to 10 years in prison for each count of making threats against a federal judge and up to five years for each count of making threats in interstate commerce if convicted. These incidents highlight the rise in threatening behavior towards public officials and the need to ensure their safety and well-being.

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