Maryland

Maryland police warn officers will enforce law against disturbing peace outside Supreme Court justices' homes

By Whitney Wild and Joan Biskupic, CNN

Updated 6:58 PM ET, Wed July 13, 2022

(CNN) -- The Montgomery County Police says it will begin enforcing a Maryland law against disturbing the peace after more than two months of regular protests outside the homes of US Supreme Court justices.

"Please note: MCPD supports the first amendment right to protest, however anyone violating the disorderly conduct statute, may be subject to arrest. Applicable laws regarding protests in Montgomery County have been added to the MCPD website," police tweeted Wednesday evening.

The local police agency told CNN it will not necessarily clear protesters outside of justices' homes for simply gathering, but will enforce statutes against disturbing the peace. For example, protesting quietly or silently is fine, but police will not allow bullhorns, drums or any loud behavior.

For weeks, dozens of protesters have gathered outside Justice Brett Kavanaugh's home and the residences of other conservative justices, such as Amy Coney Barrett in Virginia, to demonstrate against the court's decision to strike down Roe v. Wade. ... Montgomery County Police said the protests elicited a flood of complaints from neighbors and the department tried to find a balance between First Amendment rights and the peace of the community.

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