Justice Alito's Flag Controversies

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. stated that he would not recuse himself from two cases related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, despite reports of flags flown over his properties supporting the 'Stop the Steal' movement.

In letters to members of Congress, Justice Alito explained that the flags were flown by his wife, Martha-Ann, who has a fondness for flying flags. He clarified that he had no involvement in the flying of the flags and that his wife made those decisions independently. The controversy escalated when a conflict between the Alitos and a couple in their neighborhood led to a police call, highlighting the tensions over the 2020 election. The clash, which began over a political sign, eventually involved the flying of an upside-down flag linked to the 'Stop the Steal' campaign at their Virginia home. The situation became more complex when a second flag, associated with the Jan.

6 riot and a Christian nationalist movement, was seen at their New Jersey beach house. Justice Alito has not provided an explanation for the second flag. The neighborhood dispute has garnered significant attention, reflecting the broader political divisions in the country.