Democrats slam ‘out of control’ Supreme Court after Alito’s second Jan 6 flag scandal

Several Democrats have claimed that the Supreme Court’s conservative majority is “out of control” after a second flag carried by January 6 rioters was seen flying outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s house.

Mr Alito is facing further backlash following revelations that an “Appeal to Heaven” flag was flown outside his New Jersey vacation home on multiple occasions during the summer of 2023. It comes just a week after an upside down American flag – synonymous with “Stop the Steal” protests – was discovered outside Mr Alito’s Virginia home weeks after the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.

Now, Democrats have dismissed the idea that the erection of the flag was “chance” and say a “pattern” is emerging, further highlighting the politicization of the current court, which is supposed to be the most impartial arm of government in politics.

The far-right symbol, also known as the “Pine Tree Flag” was carried by pro-Trump rioters in the attack on the US Capitol in 2021 in their efforts to overturn the election.

Designed by a George Washington staffer, Colonel Joseph Reed, in the 18th century, it dates back to the Revolutionary War and is a symbol of staunchly religious, conservative Christians.

Democrats are now casting doubts on Mr Alito’s judicial ethics, claiming he’s succumbing to his personal views and political bias. Justice Clarence Thomas has also made headlines this week for seemingly arguing that the Supreme Court should not be policing racial gerrymandering.

“We have an out of control Supreme Court majority,” Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told The Hill.

Mr Thomas and Mr Alito were both criticised last September by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for accepting