In response to threats made against Colorado Supreme Court justices who ruled to disqualify Donald Trump from the state's 2024 presidential ballot, the FBI has initiated cooperation with local law enforcement authorities. The threats were brought to light last week, and the federal agency is taking the matter seriously, vowing to vigorously investigate any threats or acts of violence committed by individuals using extremist views as justification.

FBI Public Affairs Officer Vikki Migoya stated on Monday that the agency is aware of the situation and actively working with local law enforcement officials. The spokesperson for the Colorado Judicial Branch refrained from commenting on the reports of threats targeting the judges, while a message left with the Denver Police Department remains unanswered as of Monday afternoon. Master Trooper Gary Cutler, a spokesman for the Colorado State Patrol, emphasized that any threats against judges will be handled by local authorities.

Apart from the federal response, state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as non-government research groups, have been closely monitoring extremist rhetoric on online forums. The aim is to identify any signs that such rhetoric may translate into real threats against public officials.

According to an analysis conducted by a non-partisan research organization, which was obtained by CNN, the names of the four Colorado Supreme Court justices who ruled against Trump have frequently appeared in "incendiary" posts on extremist forums. These posts include calls to expose the judges' personal information. While the analysis did not indicate specific threats, it did highlight the risk of potential lone actor or small group violence in response to the court ruling.

The analysis also noted similarities to previous instances of online activity following federal indictments of Trump. Users expressed vague calls for civil unrest and used disturbingly violent language, but specific plans to act upon those threats were lacking.

The Colorado Supreme Court's decision last week marked an unprecedented ruling, with a 4-3 majority determining that Trump is ineligible to appear on the state's ballot due to the 14th Amendment's "insurrectionist ban." The ruling is set to be placed on hold until January 4, pending Trump's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could impact the entire nation.

It is worth mentioning that Trump himself has previously launched verbal attacks against his courtroom adversaries in a separate case. He was subsequently barred from discussing witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and their family members.

Given the January 6th Capitol riot that unfolded earlier this year, federal law enforcement officials have become increasingly cautious of the potential for online rhetoric to manifest into real-world violence. A Senate report released in June revealed that the planning for the insurrection largely took place in plain sight on social media platforms, with law enforcement agencies failing to adequately address the threat.

As the investigation into the threats against Colorado Supreme Court justices continues, it remains paramount for law enforcement to remain vigilant and take necessary actions to ensure the safety and security of public officials.