Judge Salas Reacts to New NJ Law to Protect Federal Judges

A federal judge whose son was gunned down in front of the family's home earlier this year spoke to NBC's "TODAY" about a recently passed New Jersey law meant to protect federal judges.

"What I'm hoping will happen now is that we will expand these protections nationwide," said federal Judge Esther Salas.

"I'm really hoping that we can do the concrete things that need to be done in order to protect my brothers and sisters on the federal bench … I know that Daniel is looking down and saying, 'Mom, keep it going. Keep it going because we need to make sure that everyone is safe.'"

Salas also talked about her husband who was shot during the incident.

"Regrettably, Mark has had a medical setback and he's doing to need surgery in the very near future. So he is still battling those injuries. And obviously battling the injury to his heart. So we are just day by day taking it second by second."

Salas added, "You know what, I am holding it together because I know that's what Daniel would want me to do. And I have a tremendous amount of faith, and I rely and lean on that faith and lean on my loved ones to get me through this difficult time in our lives." 

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• Judge Salas Demands More Protection for Federal Judges After Son's Killing