U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today joined with U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas in praising last week’s passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act. The bill is named after Judge Salas’ son, Daniel, who was murdered in the Judge’s home by an aggrieved former litigant on July 19, 2020, will protect federal judges by prohibiting the selling, trading, transferring, or purchasing of judges’ personally identifiable information online.

“In the days after Judge Salas was targeted in a hateful attack that took the life of her son, Daniel, and critically injured her husband, Mark, we promised that we would do all we could to protect judges like her from future attacks. Today, we are proud to say that we delivered on our promise and secured the passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act,” said Sen. Menendez. “Over the past two years, we have worked with our colleagues, with other federal judges, civil liberties and privacy experts to draft a bill that would protect judges from threats to their privacy or physical security. With bipartisan support, we included the bill in must-pass legislation and it will now be sent to President Biden’s desk where it will be signed into law.”

“Judge Salas and her husband, Mark, have gone through things no one should have to endure. When their son Daniel was murdered two years ago in a shooting that also injured Mark, we pledged to never forget that tragic day and to honor Daniel’s memory by acting decisively to protect judges and their families,” said Sen. Booker.  “With Senate passage of the bipartisan Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act, our democracy is stronger because federal judges can perform their solemn duty of administering equal justice under the law without fear that they or their families can be targeted using personal information that is easily accessible online.”

“I am proud that we fulfilled our promise to Judge Salas and successfully brought the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act to the President’s desk for his signature,” said Rep. Sherrill, who led the effort to pass the legislation in the House of Representatives. “Now federal judges will be able to conduct their duties without fear of reprisal to themselves or their families. I want to thank everyone who played a role in getting this done and making sure that we honor Daniel’s memory.”

After finding her home address online, the shooter targeted Judge Salas in a hate-motivated attack against her because she is Latina. Following the tragic death of Daniel, Sen. Menendez made a personal commitment to Judge Salas that he would push for legislation to protect federal judges from future threats.

“Mark and I want to sincerely thank our home state leaders, Senators Menendez and Booker and Congresswoman Sherrill, along with all of the bipartisan leaders who tirelessly worked to pass the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act,” said Judge Salas.  “By passing this crucial legislation, Congress has taken a solid step in preserving our democracy by protecting federal judges and their families. This legislation, named after our beloved son, will undoubtedly make it harder for violent individuals to find judges’ addresses and other personal information online.

“The judiciary is the bedrock of our democracy and federal judges must be able to do their jobs without fear of retribution, reprisal, or death,” added Judge Salas.  “Although Mark and I will always mourn the death of our only child, Daniel, we take solace in knowing that our son’s senseless murder was not in vain. Today, we are comforted by the outpouring of love we’ve received from people all around the world, supporting us on this journey to get the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act signed into law. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. All of you serve as a reminder that hate is heavy and love is light.”

The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act will protect judges by prohibiting the selling, trading, transferring, or purchasing of judges’ personally identifiable information online. The law also allows federal judges to request their information be taken down if it is publicly available and authorizes the U.S. Marshals Service to hire additional analysts, security specialists, and other personnel to help prevent threats to federal judges.