A retired Stanford University staffer faces five years in prison for threatening to harm a Trump-appointed federal judge and his children over an abortion pill ruling that infuriated leftists.
Key Takeaways
- Dolly Kay Patterson, a retired Stanford University employee, pleaded guilty to sending death threats to Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk and his children after his ruling on the abortion drug mifepristone.
- Patterson warned the judge and his family to “watch their backs” in a threatening message sent through the Northern District of Texas court’s official website.
- A second woman, Alice Marie Pence, was previously sentenced to 10 months in prison for threatening Judge Kacsmaryk with sniper violence, highlighting a pattern of intimidation against conservative judges.
- The case exemplifies the growing security concerns for federal judiciary members making politically charged rulings, especially on abortion-related matters.
- Patterson faces up to 5 years imprisonment with sentencing scheduled for September 30, 2024.
Liberal Rage Turns Criminal as Stanford Retiree Threatens Judge’s Family
The radical left’s commitment to abortion access has once again crossed the line from protest to criminal intimidation. Dolly Kay Patterson, a retired Stanford University staff member from California, has pleaded guilty to sending death threats to U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk after he temporarily suspended FDA approval of the abortion drug mifepristone in April 2023. Patterson’s threatening message, sent directly through the Northern District of Texas court’s official website, explicitly targeted not only the judge but also his innocent children in a disturbing escalation of the abortion debate.
“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 initially denied responsibility when U.S. Marshals visited her home during their investigation. However, she eventually confessed to sending the threatening message that warned Judge Kacsmaryk and his children to “watch their backs.” Under a plea deal, Patterson admitted guilt to one count of the charges against her. The 71-year-old now faces up to five years in federal prison, with her sentencing scheduled for September 30 in a Dallas federal court. This case marks another instance where liberals who claim to champion “tolerance” resort to violent threats when legal rulings don’t align with their radical agenda.
Pattern of Leftist Intimidation Against Conservative Judges
This is not the first threat directed at Judge Kacsmaryk since his controversial ruling on mifepristone. Another woman, Alice Marie Pence, was sentenced to 10 months in prison earlier this year for threatening the judge with sniper violence. These repeated intimidation attempts reveal a disturbing pattern of behavior from abortion advocates who resort to terror tactics when they can’t achieve their goals through the democratic process. Judge Kacsmaryk, appointed by President Trump, has faced relentless backlash from the left for upholding the rule of law rather than bending to political pressure on abortion issues.
The mifepristone case that triggered Patterson’s threats was initially brought by a coalition of pro-life groups challenging the FDA’s approval process for the abortion drug. While a federal appeals court partially upheld Kacsmaryk’s ruling, the Supreme Court later overturned the decision on procedural grounds, temporarily maintaining access to the medication. However, the fight continues with new plaintiffs, including Republican-led states committed to protecting the unborn, preparing to advance the case through proper legal channels rather than resorting to intimidation tactics like their opponents Stated Judge Kacsmaryk
Growing Security Concerns for Federal Judiciary
The prosecution of Patterson highlights the growing concern over threats to federal judges, especially those handling politically divisive cases. Conservative judges in particular have faced increasing harassment, violent threats, and intimidation campaigns from the radical left. This alarming trend extends beyond the abortion debate, affecting judges who rule on immigration, election integrity, and other issues where liberal activists demand outcomes that align with their political agenda regardless of constitutional considerations. These threats have prompted increased calls for security funding to protect judges and their families from progressive extremists.
Patterson’s case, proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas under case number 2:24-cr-00070, serves as a stark reminder of the real-world dangers conservative judges face when upholding the law in today’s politically charged environment. The left’s willingness to terrorize judges and their families reveals their true nature: when unable to win through democratic processes, they resort to intimidation and threats of violence. This behavior stands in stark contrast to conservative advocacy, which respects the rule of law while working through legitimate channels to protect life and uphold constitutional values.
