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Justice Alito Faces Recusal Calls Over January 6 and 2020 Election Flag Controversy

May 24, 2024, 04:38 PM

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is facing mounting criticism and calls for recusal from cases related to the January 6 Capitol riot and the 2020 election. The controversy stems from reports that Alito displayed two flags associated with the January 6 rioters outside his homes. The first flag, an upside-down American flag, was described by Alito's wife as a distress signal. The second flag, known as the 'Appeal to Heaven' flag, dates back to the American Revolution but has recently been adopted by far-right groups and the Christian nationalist movement. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, and Senator Whitehouse are among those demanding Alito's recusal, citing concerns over his impartiality. Chief Justice Roberts is also being urged to take action. The New York Times initially reported the flag controversy, which has since sparked a broader debate about judicial ethics and the symbolism of the flags.