Official announcements from the Supreme Court or credible news reports.

Rep. Cohen Introduces Resolution to Censure Justice Alito Amid Second Flag Controversy, Recusal Calls

May 23, 2024, 01:41 PM

Representative Steve Cohen has introduced a resolution to censure Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito following reports of an upside-down flag flown outside Alito's residence after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This incident has intensified calls for Alito to recuse himself from cases related to the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection. The flag, identified as the 'Appeal to Heaven' flag, has historical significance from the Revolutionary War but has recently been associated with the far-right and the January 6 rioters. Justice Alito has declined to respond to questions about the flag, which was flown at his beach house. Additionally, a second controversial flag was reported at another Alito property. There are growing concerns about his impartiality, and leading Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Dick Durbin, have demanded Alito's recusal, citing ethical misconduct and a potential conflict of interest in cases involving former President Donald Trump. Representative Hank Johnson has also highlighted the need for the SCERTAct to enforce a binding code of ethics for the Supreme Court.