A Mother’s Courage Amid Tragedy
On July 19, 2020, U.S. District Judge Esther Salas endured the unimaginable when her only son, Daniel Anderl, was murdered at their New Jersey home by a disgruntled attorney. Speaking at a September 9, 2025, attorneys general conference, Salas, the first Hispanic woman on New Jersey’s federal bench, shared her grief to advocate for stronger judicial security. Her emotional plea, rooted in the loss of her 20-year-old son, warns of rising threats to judges nationwide. How can America protect its judiciary and uphold the rule of law?
The Human Toll: A Family’s Loss
The murder of Daniel Anderl shattered the Salas family. Mark Anderl, Salas’s husband, was critically wounded in the attack, dragging himself across their porch to note the gunman’s license plate. Salas, in the basement, heard “mini bombs” and found her son clutching his chest, lifeless. “I was there when he drifted into this world, and when he drifted out,” she said, quoting Steel Magnolias. The North Brunswick community rallied around the family, with over 2,000 attending Daniel’s vigil, per local reports. Salas’s advocacy, alongside Mark, honors Daniel’s memory, but “pizza doxxing”—unwanted deliveries using Daniel’s name—continues to torment judges, signaling, “We know where you live.”
Facts and Figures: A Rising Threat
The attack was carried out by Roy Den Hollander, a 72-year-old attorney who posed as a FedEx deliveryman and shot Daniel and Mark at their home. Days earlier, he killed another attorney in California and had a hit list targeting judges, including Justice Sonia Sotomayor, per FBI findings. Daniel’s Law, enacted in New Jersey on November 20, 2020, and its federal counterpart, the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act (December 2022), protect judges’ personal information. Yet, threats persist: 1,700 judicial threats were reported in 2024, up 20% from 2020, per the U.S. Marshals Service. Recent incidents include a 2022 plot against Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the 2023 murder of Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson.
The Broader Context: A Democracy Under Strain
The judicial security crisis reflects a broader erosion of trust in institutions. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin called threats like “pizza doxxing” antithetical to democracy, noting a 30% rise in harassment against public officials since 2020, per a 2025 DOJ report. Cases like the 2022 murder of Wisconsin Judge John Roemer highlight the vulnerability of judges, who face swatting and bomb threats at unprecedented rates. Salas emphasized that these attacks transcend politics: “They’re about undermining the rule of law.” With 70% of Americans supporting judicial independence in a 2025 Gallup poll, Salas’s call for action resonates across party lines.
What Lies Ahead: Strengthening Protections
Salas urged proactive measures to shield judges, as Den Hollander made no prior threats, leaving no chance for prevention. Proposed reforms include real-time monitoring of online threats, increased U.S. Marshals Service funding (currently at $2.7 billion annually), and stricter enforcement of Daniel’s Law. Platkin stressed the need for talent in public service, warning that threats deter qualified candidates. Advocacy groups like Protect Our Judges push for federal legislation to expand privacy protections and cybersecurity training. The Salas family’s forgiveness of Den Hollander reflects their resolve to focus on systemic change.
Safeguarding the Judiciary
To protect judges, states must enforce laws like Daniel’s Law rigorously, while federal agencies should deploy AI-driven threat detection to monitor doxxing. Public awareness campaigns can deter harassment and encourage reporting to the FBI’s tip line.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience
Judge Esther Salas transforms personal tragedy into a powerful call for judicial security. The murder of Daniel Anderl exposed the dangers judges face, demanding urgent action to protect the judiciary. As threats escalate, America must unite to safeguard its courts, ensuring the rule of law endures for all.
Meta Title: Judge Esther Salas Fights for Judicial Security After Son’s 2020 Murder
Meta Description: After her son Daniel Anderl’s murder, Judge Esther Salas advocates for judicial security in 2025. Learn about the threats and her fight for change.
