Supreme Court Justices' MD Homes Should Be Guarded By DOJ, Hogan Says

CHEVY CHASE, MD — Protesters have gathered outside U.S. Supreme Court justices' homes in response to the court's leaked draft opinion that points toward a likely vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, and Gov. Larry Hogan is asking the Department of Justice to step in.

"While protesting a final opinion from the Supreme Court is commonplace when done on the steps of the Court or in the public square, the circumstances of the current picketing at the Justices' private homes in residential neighborhoods are markedly different," said Hogan and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The governors asked for federal law enforcement to "protect the justices and ensure these residential areas are secure in the weeks and months ahead."

Protests took place last weekend outside the homes of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh in Chevy Chase.

"You don't get to take away my bodily autonomy and get enjoy your Saturday at home. You can do one or the other," one protester, Nikki Enfield, said to WUSA outside at Kavanaugh's home.

County code and Maryland law prohibit picketing at a private residence, Lt. Peter Davidov, with the Montgomery County Police Department, told WTOP. Protests are allowed in a residential neighborhood, but not a particular residence, he said. Davidov said protesters in residential areas can be in public spaces, "where you can be lawfully present without impeding people's ability to go about freely."

Related: Protesters Gather Outside Supreme Court Justices' Chevy Chase Homes

Federal law enforcement has bolstered security for the justices after the draft Roe v. Wade opinion was leaked, according to ABC News. On Monday, the U.S. Senate passed a bill for justices and their families to have security details, and it heads to the House. On Wednesday, the Senate failed to pass legislation to codify Roe v. Wade.

A nationwide day of abortion rights protests is to be held Saturday.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that President Joe Biden "strongly believes" in the right to protest but said that should never involve violence, threats or vandalism.

"Judges perform an incredibly important function in our society," she wrote, "and they must be able to do their jobs without concern for their personal safety."