Nation's capital boosts police presence ahead of Supreme Court decisions

Authorities in the nation's capital are increasing police presence and urging visitors not to bring firearms into city limits as the Supreme Court prepares to release key decisions on gun rights and abortion.

Groups are planning to hold rallies and protests ahead of the Supreme Court rulings, which are likely to happen this month. A draft of a Supreme Court ruling that appeared to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked to the media several weeks ago, drawing left-wing protests, threats, and even several arson attempts against several pregnancy centers across the United States.

Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee said a “posture of preparedness” is being implemented ahead of the rulings.

“We are increasing our presence to have coverage in neighborhoods and our downtown areas, which includes the activation of civil disturbance unit platoons,” he said. “In addition, we are working closely with our law enforcement, government, and community partners to ensure that all of these events are peaceful and our neighborhoods are safe.”

Contee also warned people not to bring guns to upcoming events, following the arrest of an armed individual, 26-year-old Nicholas Roske, last week outside the Maryland home of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Roske reportedly told investigators that he wanted to shoot Kavanaugh because he believed the justice would side with overturning Roe v. Wade and also would side with a ruling that would relax some gun-control measures in certain states.

“Leave the law enforcement and the firearms, leave that to the Metropolitan Police Department. That’s our responsibility,” Contee said.

Last week, the FBI said it wouldn’t “tolerate violence, destruction, interference with government functions, or trespassing on government property” following Roske’s arrest and upcoming protests in Washington.

Historically, the Supreme Court releases the majority of its decisions by the end of June. It’s not clear when the high court will render its final decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization—which may overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that argued that women have the constitutional right to get an abortion—or on the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, a case that, if struck down, would significantly expand the scope of protection afforded under the Second Amendment.