Letters: FBI need to go after abortion protesters for illegal demonstrations

Abortion protesters taking it too far

The media has shown demonstrations outside the Supreme Court and justices' homes protesting the leaked Supreme Court opinion about abortion. Do these people realize they are violating federal law?

More: Republicans hit Democrats over Roe protests at justices' homes, calling them 'mob rule'

U.S. Code 18, section 1507 states: "Whoever, with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness, or court officer, in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades in or near a building housing a court of the United States, or in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge, juror, witness, or court officer, or with such intent uses any sound-truck or similar device or resorts to any other demonstration in or near any such building or residence, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both."

Is the FBI investigating?

Robert Hawley, Westerville

It's time to speak out

First, they came after LGBTQ and transgender rights. Then, they came after abortion providers and women and teens who needed them, and nobody could fight these restrictions.

They went after books and banned those that met arbitrary criteria that met their political needs. Again, nobody could stop them.

More: Discrimination is real. Federal leaders must protect LGBTQ people| Opinion

There have been ever more shootings throughout states where gun laws have been reduced. There is exponentially more hate crime against those who are non-white, those who are Asian, Muslim, Jewish, Black and brown residents, too.

More: Columbus City Schools, school librarians speak out against HB 616

It is time for all of us who believe these issues are wrong to speak out. Speak out loudly and often and consistently. Let people know hate is not acceptable. We will not tolerate it anymore.

We must speak up now or we risk too much.

Marilyn Brown, former Franklin County Commissioner, Columbus

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Ohio native Steve Dettelbach right for ATF

Thank you, Mayor Andrew Ginther, for speaking out in your May 9 column, "Ohio native at ATF's helm would fight crime," supporting Steve Dettelbach, President Joe Biden’s nominee for the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

More: Ginther: Steven Dettelbach would help Columbus fight violent crime if confirmed to ATF

Violent crime is on the rise everywhere — and the ATF is the Department of Justice’s primary law enforcement agency. Not having a confirmed director for years on end puts our community, state and nation at further risk.

I know Steve Dettelbach well. He personifies public service and, above all, character.

A highly decorated and respected federal prosecutor, Steve has served in four administrations – two Democrat and two Republican – and he is strongly supported by over 140 of the bipartisan seniormost Department of Justice veterans.

More: Ad watch: GOP attack on Steve Dettelbach bases transparent falsehoods on dubious premise

I join with Ginther in urging swift Senate action to confirm this outstanding public servant who will protect the people of our community from the rising scourge of violent crime.

Richard A. Stoff, Bexley

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Is it illegal to protest outside the Supreme Court?