When danger appears at a judge’s front door
As Barbara Lynn, chief judge for the Northern District of Texas, recounted, it wasn’t long ago that “virtually everyone recognized how inappropriate it was to threaten the life or security of a judge because of a disagreement with the judge’s decision.” One judge found out this isn’t the case anymore when a mob showed up at her door.
If my address is online, I feel vulnerable – particularly after a controversial verdict that makes the news. Ironwall protection gives me peace of mind.
The threat
- A Superior Court judge made a controversial call, inciting anger from part of the public.
- Her address was listed online, allowing those who opposed her decision to find her.
- A mob formed outside the judge’s home, putting her personal safety at risk.
The outcome
- The Superior Court increased security protocols but when that didn’t work, contracted Ironwall.
- Ironwall’s team conducted daily scans to remove the judge’s address from the web, threatening legal action when met with resistance.
- Ironwall also extended protection to the families of Superior Court judges for extra security.
The threat
- A Superior Court judge made a controversial call, inciting anger from part of the public.
- Her address was listed online, allowing those who opposed her decision to find her.
- A mob formed outside the judge’s home, putting her personal safety at risk.
The outcome
- The Superior Court increased security protocols but when that didn’t work, contracted Ironwall.
- Ironwall’s team conducted daily scans to remove the judge’s address from the web, threatening legal action when met with resistance.
- Ironwall also extended protection to the families of Superior Court judges for extra security.
When protest turns dangerous
In 2020, civil unrest led to numerous trials with tensions running high on both sides. Judges had to contend with an influx of cases involving assault, arson, and property damage. And just as the internet enables news of such protests to go viral, it can also deliver swift and severe repercussions to those perceived as standing in the way of the mob’s actions.
One Superior Court judge heard a convincing enough case against a protestor to sign an arrest warrant against him. Just days later, that judge faced a loud, angry mob at her home. The protestors had found her address online.
Combating the new norm
Thankfully, no one was injured during this threatening demonstration. But her court realized that situations like this were becoming commonplace.
In an AP article, Barbara Lynn, chief judge for the Northern District of Texas, recounted how in today’s society it’s become commonplace and acceptable to put the life and security of a judge at risk, saying, “I think there are a lot of people that don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”
The judge’s Superior Court contracted Ironwall by Incogni to take charge of their online privacy. Using proprietary software, the Ironwall privacy team went to work—scanning the internet daily, identifying and removing judges' information from anywhere they found it online. Most sites complied within 1–2 business days. Those that did not were threatened with legal action, eventually acceding to Ironwall’s request.
Matching protestors’ determination with our own
In a case like the one described above, if an individual or group is angry enough to seek out a judge’s home address online, they may not stop if it cannot be located. They may try to find that information through a judge’s spouse, child, or relative. This too is possible because of the thousands of websites that collect, share, and sell personal information, with no regard to how it may be used—or weaponized.
Ironwall’s protection extends not just to our primary client but also to his or her residing family members. And when an active threat is reported, or a situation occurs such as a protest at a judge’s home, Ironwall provides emergency protocols that include more intensive daily searches, as well as coordination with local law enforcement or judicial protection units to keep threats at bay until the emergency passes.
Since partnering with Ironwall by Incogni, the Superior Court has been very happy with the results and the team's responsiveness. Judges can now perform their duties with greater peace of mind.
Please Note: All case studies are described in ways that preserve our clients’ safety and anonymity.
Prevent security risks
We understand the dangers people face when working with a target on their backs. Ironwall keeps them covered. Day or night, no matter the challenge, we’ll fight for your team’s privacy and personal safety.