Chief Judge: Dirksen Federal Courthouse Safe, Open — No National Guard Requested (Chicago, IL) – Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois said Thursday that the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in downtown Chicago remains open and secure, pushing back on claims that the National Guard had been called to assist with courthouse security.
In a statement released by the court, Kendall emphasized that maintaining public access to the judiciary is a fundamental priority.
“Providing access to justice is at the heart of the Court’s mission and critical for our democracy,” Kendall said. “Maintaining access to the courthouse for anyone who seeks redress remains a top priority of the court. It is a core principle to promote our rule of law.”
Kendall, who also chairs the Dirksen Courthouse Building Security Committee, said she has been in regular contact with the U.S. Marshals Service amid heightened security concerns in recent weeks. She noted that while additional security measures have been implemented, neither she nor the Building Security Committee ever authorized or requested assistance from the National Guard.
“At no point did I, nor did the Building Security Committee, authorize or request the National Guard’s assistance to secure the Dirksen Courthouse,” Kendall said.
According to the statement, the U.S. Marshals Service has full jurisdiction over security inside and around the courthouse. The Federal Protective Service maintains authority over most federal buildings nationwide, but Marshals hold primary security responsibility at the Dirksen building.
“I trust and rely upon the men and women of the United States Marshals Service and the Court Security Officers to provide security,” Kendall said. “This includes the perimeter of the building.”
Kendall also emphasized that court operations are continuing without interruption. The courthouse at 219 S. Dearborn St. remains open to the public for hearings, jury trials and naturalization ceremonies. The Clerk’s Office continues to operate during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and in-person proceedings will proceed as scheduled.
“Proceedings are and have been open to the public and the media,” she said.
The statement comes amid heightened public attention to security at federal courthouses nationwide, though Kendall did not reference any specific threats or incidents in Chicago.
Chief Judge: Dirksen Federal Courthouse Safe, Open — No National Guard Requested
