Gov. Murphy Signs Daniel's Law After Son Of Judge Esther Salas Killed In Home Ambush
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday signed Daniel's Law, which is aimed at protecting the personal information of judges and other law enforcement officials.
The legislation is named after Judge Esther Salas's son, who was shot to death at their home in North Brunswick in July.
Daniel Anderl, 20, was killed in the ambush. His father, Salas's husband, was wounded.
The gunman, a self-proclaimed anti-feminist, later died by suicide.
Daniel's Law prohibits home addresses and phone numbers belonging to judges from being posted online.
Authorities said that's how the shooter found Salas's home.
At the signing ceremony, Judge Salas held back tears remembering that day.
"In the seconds before his death, Daniel asked me to keep talking to him because he loved talking to me. Well Daniel, on behalf of all New Jersey judges, I thank you son," Judge Salas said.
"While today is yet another painful reminder of the vicious attack on our family, it's also a day to celebrate," she said.
The bipartisan legislation will make it a crime to publish online or anywhere else the personal addresses and telephone information of state judges or their families.
MORE: Judge Esther Salas Says She's Forgiven Man Who Killed Her Son In Attack On Her Home
It's a state law, but both of New Jersey's U.S. Senators were on hand, vowing to push for similar legislation at the federal level.
"Daniel's death is not in vain... You have turned this awful, unimaginable hate into your own exhibition of glorious heroism," said Sen. Cory Booker.
"This is about saving lives and it's also about protecting the independence of our federal judiciary," said. Sen. Bob Menendez.
Watch the bill signing ceremony on CBSN New York:
According to Menendez, across the country, threats against federal judges and judicial personnel went from 926 incidents in 2015 to 4,449 in 2019.
Gov. Murphy said it's that reality, alongside Judge Salas's call for action, that led to this moment.
"Our state responds not only with thoughts and prayers, which we do, but with concrete action," Murphy said.
"In the days following our son's murder, I publicly called upon those in power to do something to protect my brothers and sisters on the bench. Well, today, Gov. Murphy and the brave men and women of our legislature are answering our call and enacting Daniel's Law," Salas continued. "Daniel's Law will make a difference."
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