Stanford University retiree Dolly Kay Patterson faces up to 5 years in prison after threatening to harm a federal judge’s children over his abortion drug ruling, highlighting the increasingly violent climate surrounding America’s abortion debate.
Key Takeaways
- Dolly Kay Patterson, a former Stanford University employee, pleaded guilty to threatening Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk and his children following his ruling to suspend FDA approval of abortion drug mifepristone.
- Patterson warned the judge and his children to “watch their backs” through a message sent via the Northern District of Texas court’s website in April 2023.
- A second woman, Alice Marie Pence, was already sentenced to 10 months in prison for threatening Judge Kacsmaryk with sniper violence over the same ruling.
- Patterson faces up to 5 years in federal prison with sentencing scheduled for September 30, following her confession to U.S. Marshals.
- The case highlights a concerning rise in threats against federal judiciary members, underscoring the need for increased security measures for judges handling politically sensitive cases.
Escalating Threats Against Federal Judges
Dolly Kay Patterson, a retired Stanford University staffer, has officially pleaded guilty to threatening a Trump-appointed federal judge and his family after he temporarily suspended FDA approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. Patterson’s threats were directed at U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the Northern District of Texas, who has become a target for abortion activists following his April 2023 ruling. The case represents a disturbing trend of increasing hostility and violence directed at judges who rule on politically sensitive issues, especially those involving abortion rights.
“Tell this antiabortion judge he needs to watch his back—and that of his kids—for the rest of his life!” Said Dolly Kay Patterson
Patterson’s threat was submitted through the Northern District of Texas court’s digital communication system. When initially confronted by U.S. Marshals at her home, she denied responsibility for sending the message. However, she eventually confessed after additional questioning. The case was resolved in Dallas with a plea agreement that reduced her charges from two counts to one, though she still faces potential imprisonment of up to five years when sentenced on September 30.
Pattern of Judicial Harassment Over Abortion Rulings
Judge Kacsmaryk’s ruling on mifepristone was part of a case brought by pro-life groups challenging the FDA’s approval process for the abortion-inducing drug. While a federal appeals court partially upheld his decision, the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned it on procedural grounds, maintaining access to the medication nationwide. Despite this reversal, Judge Kacsmaryk has continued to face backlash and threats from abortion activists who disagree with his judicial philosophy and rulings Stated Judge Kacsmaryk
Patterson is not the only individual to face consequences for threatening Judge Kacsmaryk. Another woman, Alice Marie Pence, was recently sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for threatening the judge with sniper violence over the same mifepristone ruling. These cases represent a concerning pattern of intimidation attempts against members of the judiciary who make rulings that contradict progressive abortion policies. The prosecution of these threats underscores the Justice Department’s stated commitment to protecting federal judges from harm, though many conservatives question whether equal protection is provided to judges across the political spectrum.
Broader Implications for Judicial Security
The rise in threats against federal judiciary members has prompted increased calls for enhanced security measures and funding. Federal judges handling politically contentious cases involving issues like abortion, immigration, and election integrity have reported receiving harassment, violent threats, and even experiencing protesters at their personal residences. This troubling trend represents a direct challenge to the independence of the judiciary and undermines the rule of law when judges must fear for their personal safety based on their legal decisions.
President Trump has previously expressed support for increased funding for judicial security, recognizing the essential role that an independent judiciary plays in our constitutional system. The targeting of Judge Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee known for his conservative judicial philosophy, highlights how judges who uphold traditional values are increasingly facing personal risks when ruling on contentious social issues. As Patterson awaits sentencing, her case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who attempt to intimidate judges through threats of violence Stated President Trump
