Security Concerns Halt Kavanaugh’s Traditional Walk Down SCOTUS Steps

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 4: President Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh listens during his conformation hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, in Washin... WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 4: President Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh listens during his conformation hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says new Justice Brett Kavanaugh won’t take the traditional walk down the courthouse steps after his ceremonial installation on the court because of security concerns.

Kavanaugh’s investiture ceremony is scheduled for Thursday morning in the courtroom. It is customary for a new justice to walk down the 44 marble steps in front of the building, accompanied by the chief justice. The moment provides a chance for news organizations to photograph the justice, since the courtroom event is closed to cameras.

Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said Friday that the change is being made “out of an abundance of caution due to security concerns.”

Kavanaugh was confirmed Oct. 6 by a 50-48 Senate vote following an allegation he sexually assaulted a woman decades ago. He denied any wrongdoing.

Latest News
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: