'Traitors should be afraid': FBI probe on threats to Colorado SC judges following Trump ballot ban leaves Internet divided

DENVER, COLORADO: The FBI and Colorado law enforcement have launched an investigation into the threats made against the state Supreme Court justices who ruled to remove Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 presidential ballot.

The judges have been the targets of vicious online threats since December 19 when the court ruled that Trump is ineligible for the ballot under 14th Amendment concerns due to his alleged role in facilitating the Jan 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

The names of judges have appeared frequently in “incendiary” posts on such forums with calls to expose the judges’ personal data, according to an analysis of the online chatter prepared by one non-partisan research organization for US law enforcement agencies that was obtained by CNN.

In the wake of the furious threats, Vikki Migoya, a spokesperson for the FBI’s Denver field office, released a statement saying, “The FBI is aware of the situation and working with local law enforcement.”

“We will vigorously pursue investigations of any threat or use of violence committed by someone who uses extremist views to justify their actions regardless of motivation,” the statement read.

In a statement, the Colorado State Patrol, which guards the justices in the courtroom and other state buildings, acknowledged the FBI's efforts and promised to "assist with those investigations as necessary."

However, the patrol declined to comment on any further security steps that may be implemented in response to the threats, according to NBC News.

What did the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling say?

The Colorado Supreme Court rendered a landmark decision last week, ruling 4–3 that Trump isn’t an eligible presidential candidate because of the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban” and therefore can’t appear on the state’s ballot when voters gather for the GOP primary scheduled there for March 5.

The decision will be put on hold until January 4 while Trump files an appeal with the US Supreme Court, which has the authority to rule on the matter nationwide.

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump Campaign, attempted to characterize the 4-3 ruling by the state's highest court as political meddling meant to keep President Joe Biden from running against Trump in November.

Cheung also called the decision “flawed” and said they “will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court and a concurrent request for a stay of this deeply undemocratic decision."

“We have full confidence that the US Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favor and finally put an end to these unamerican lawsuits,” he continued.

Internet reacts to FBI’s investigation

The news of the FBI investigating threats against Colorado SC judges has garnered immense social media attention, with one user saying, “The traitors should be afraid.”

“I guess since they caught the Jan 5 pipe bomber and the SCOTUS leak they have some free time on their hands,” another user mocked. “Same ones that ignored the threats to the SCJ's,” a third trolled.

“FBI didn't seem to care when Scotus was being targeted and threatened. Only cares about the judges who push their narrative,” a fourth user attacked while a fifth wrote, “Sounds like a 2-year investigation incoming lol.”

“Imagine going to jail because you’re upset you can’t vote for a twice-impeached ex-President who tried to overthrow an election, and is now under 91 indictments (and counting),” another user said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online