Durbin calls on DOJ to investigate anonymous pizza deliveries to judges' homes

Fox News - May 7th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Senate Judiciary Committee's Ranking Member, Dick Durbin, has urged the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate anonymous pizza deliveries targeting judges' homes. These deliveries are perceived as intimidation tactics, threatening the judiciary's independence and the rule of law. The incidents include deliveries using the name of Judge Esther Salas’s son, who was tragically murdered in 2020. Durbin has requested updates from Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel on the investigations and steps taken to protect judges and their families.

The context of these threats is significant, as they have intensified following high-profile cases and controversial rulings. The situation underscores the critical role of the U.S. Marshals Service in safeguarding the federal judiciary. Durbin has called for maintaining or increasing the USMS workforce amid these escalating threats. The story highlights ongoing concerns about judicial safety and the potential impact on the legal system's integrity, urging immediate and robust responses from federal authorities.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively raises awareness about a current and significant issue concerning the safety of judges and the potential threats to judicial independence. It accurately reports the call for investigation by Senator Dick Durbin and highlights the broader implications for the rule of law. However, the story lacks balance, as it primarily presents one viewpoint without incorporating responses from key agencies such as the DOJ and FBI. The reliance on a limited range of sources and the absence of detailed verification for some claims slightly undermine its accuracy and impact. Despite these shortcomings, the article remains timely and engages readers by addressing a topic of public interest with potential implications for governance and justice. Improvements in source diversity, transparency, and inclusion of multiple perspectives could enhance the story's overall quality and influence.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the call by Senator Dick Durbin for the DOJ and FBI to investigate anonymous pizza deliveries to judges' homes. It correctly identifies the potential threat these deliveries pose to judicial independence and the rule of law. However, the article lacks detailed verification of the number of incidents and the specific judges involved, which are crucial for comprehensive accuracy. Additionally, while it mentions the use of Daniel Anderl's name in some deliveries, it does not provide evidence or confirmation of this claim. The story accurately references the involvement of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas and the tragic incident involving her son, which is well-documented. However, the claim that these deliveries are coordinated or part of a broader intimidation tactic requires further substantiation.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the viewpoint of Senator Dick Durbin and his concerns about the safety of judges and their families. It does not provide counterarguments or perspectives from other stakeholders, such as representatives from the DOJ, FBI, or the U.S. Marshals Service. This lack of diverse viewpoints may lead to a perception of bias, as the story leans heavily on the concerns of one political figure. Including statements or responses from the agencies involved would have provided a more balanced view of the situation. Additionally, while the article mentions the impact on judicial independence, it does not explore potential opposing views or downplay the severity of the threats.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively outlines the key issues and the call for investigation, making it easy for readers to understand the main points. The language is straightforward and neutral, avoiding overly technical jargon or emotionally charged language. However, the article could benefit from clearer delineation between verified facts and claims that require further investigation, as this would enhance reader comprehension and reduce potential confusion about the story's accuracy.

7
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, such as Senator Dick Durbin and Judge Esther Salas, lending authority to the claims made. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from the DOJ, FBI, or U.S. Marshals Service, which are crucial to substantiate the claims of ongoing investigations and protective measures. The reliance on a single primary source (Senator Durbin) limits the depth of the reporting. Including a broader range of sources, such as law enforcement officials or legal experts, would enhance the story's reliability and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

6
Transparency

The article does not fully disclose the methodology or sources for some of its claims, such as the number of anonymous deliveries or the specifics of the investigations. It mentions that Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ and FBI for comment but does not clarify if any responses were received. This lack of transparency about the source of certain information and the absence of responses from key agencies diminishes the article's credibility. Greater transparency regarding the basis for claims and any potential conflicts of interest would improve the story's trustworthiness.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/durbin-calls-doj-investigate-anonymous-pizza-deliveries-judges-homes
  2. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/press/dem/releases/durbin-urges-ag-bondi-fbi-director-patel-to-investigate-threats-against-federal-judges-as-they-continue-to-receive-anonymous-deliveries-as-an-intimidation-tactic
  3. https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/dick-durbin-federal-judges-pizza-deliveries/2025/05/06/id/1209806/
  4. https://www.redlakenationnews.com/story/2025/05/07/news/anonymous-pizza-deliveries-to-judges-appear-to-be-threats-senator-says/131144.html
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZqwjoebEks