U.S. District Judge Esther Salas is speaking out for the first time after her son was killed and her husband was shot in what police are describing as a targeted attack. Salas, who believes she was also targeted due to her position as a federal judge, is calling for additional protections for those who work in the U.S. judicial system. The tragic incident occurred just days after a Maryland circuit court judge, Andrew Wilkinson, was fatally shot outside his home, following a judgment hearing in the suspect’s divorce case.
Judge Esther Salas is urging every state and territory in the United States to implement laws that protect judges and focus on judicial security. She commends states like New Jersey that have already taken steps in this direction and hopes that others will follow suit. Salas has a personal connection to the issue, as she lost her 20-year-old son in a racially motivated attack targeting her.
The suspect in Wilkinson’s killing, Pedro Argote, is still on the run, and the U.S. Marshals Service has joined the search, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The assailant, disguised as a delivery driver, killed Daniel Anderl, Salas’ son, and seriously injured her husband, Mark Anderl. The attacker, Roy Den Hollander, had grievances against Salas and had planned the attack in advance.
Unfortunately, targeted attacks against judges are not uncommon. In a similar incident in 2022, a Wisconsin man shot and killed retired Judge John Roemer 15 years after Roemer had sentenced him to prison. Salas emphasizes the need for enhanced protection for judges, as they often face resentment and ill will from individuals dissatisfied with their rulings.
President Biden recently signed the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act into law, which aims to protect judges’ safety by safeguarding their personal information. However, Salas argues that more comprehensive measures are necessary to prevent judges from becoming victims of targeted crimes. She highlights the lack of a central repository for information on attacks and threats against judges at the state level.
Salas and other judges believe that protecting judicial officers is crucial for maintaining democracy. The recent tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the consequences when judicial security is not taken seriously. As authorities continue their search for Pedro Argote, the focus remains on implementing effective measures to ensure the safety of judges and their families.
Maryland authorities have located Argote’s vehicle in a wooded area but have yet to apprehend the suspect. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals are urging anyone with information on Argote’s whereabouts to come forward. The community’s assistance is vital in bringing justice to the victims and preventing further harm.
In conclusion, Judge Esther Salas’ call for increased protection for the judiciary comes after a targeted attack on Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson and the tragic loss of her own son. The need for comprehensive measures to safeguard judges from targeted crimes is evident, and Salas hopes that states will follow New Jersey’s lead in addressing judicial security. The search for the suspect, Pedro Argote, continues, and authorities are offering a reward for information leading to his arrest. The safety of judges and their families remains a priority as efforts to strengthen judicial security intensify.
