In a rare statement released Wednesday afternoon, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts slammed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for threatening Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch.
"This morning, Senator Schumer spoke at a rally in front of the Supreme Court while a case was being argued inside Senator Schumer referred to two Members of the Court by name and said he wanted to tell them that 'You have released the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You will not know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions,’” Roberts said. “Justices know that criticism comes with the territory, but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous. All Members of the Court will continue to do their job, without fear or favor, from whatever quarter."
Today the Court heard arguments about a Louisiana law that requires abortion providers in the state have hospital admitting privileges in order to perform the procedure. Pro-abortion groups are up in arms about the the law, which they argue is an attack on women’s rights. Those who back the law, including Louisiana Democrats, say it protects women from harm and ensures proper medical treatment if there were to be a medical emergency.
A reminder of what Schumer said:
BREAKING: Chief Justice Roberts issues statement blasting Chuck Schumer for threatening Justices Gorsuch & Kavanaugh as the court heard a case on abortion
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 4, 2020
Roberts said "statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous." pic.twitter.com/pU5UqjbIE8