Bill to protect federal judges' privacy named after son of judge killed in shooting

The son of a federal judge died earlier this year saving his father and because of that heroism, others might be spared the same fate.

News 12 Staff

Sep 29, 2020, 9:38 AM

Updated 1,535 days ago

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The son of a federal judge died earlier this year saving his father and because of that heroism, others might be spared the same fate.
According to authorities, Dan Anderl, 20, was shot and killed by Roy Den Hollander about two months ago, who was targeting Anderl's mother, Judge Esther Salas, at her home in North Brunswick.
The FBI says Hollander had a dossier on Salas and knew information such as where she lived and went to church. Two weeks after her son died, Salas implored those in power to do something to protect judges like her and their families.
A new bill, the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act, would keep the personal information of federal judges private. It makes it illegal for data brokers to sell or use that information. No one can post it on the internet. U.S. Marshalls will have more resources to investigate threats. Sen. Bob Menendez promised Judge Salas he would put forth legislation to prevent the sort of tragedy from repeating.
“We must ensure as Judge Salas said that his death, that his death need not be in vain,” says Sen. Menendez.
Anderl died taking a bullet for his father, who survived three gunshot wounds of his own, along with multiple surgeries. The gunman, who killed himself after the attack, posed as a delivery driver and opened fire on their home.
Anderl was a student at Catholic University and planned to study law. He was a graduate of Saint Joe's in Metuchen. His old baseball team paid tribute to him over the summer during a tournament. They remembered him for his positive attitude and for being smarter than the coaches.
Anderl's funeral was held over the weekend – two months after his death – to give his father enough time to recover.
Menendez recommended Judge Salas to then-President Barack Obama for her current position.
The bill does not include bodyguards for judges. It should be noted that most members of Congress do not have full-time protection either.