Which agency is primarily in charge of protecting the federal judiciary?

The agency that is primarily in charge of protecting the federal judiciary is the U.S. Marshals. This responsibility includes ensuring the safety of judges, witnesses, and other individuals involved in the federal court system. The U.S. Marshals are tasked with various duties that encompass personal protection for judicial personnel, managing the transportation of federal prisoners, and securing courthouses. Their expertise in protection, along with their history and authority derived from the judiciary, makes them particularly suited for this role.

The Federal Judiciary faces unique threats that require a specialized approach to security, and the U.S. Marshals are uniquely positioned to handle these challenges effectively. Their training and resources enable them to respond swiftly to any incidents that could jeopardize the safety of the courts.

In contrast, while the FBI is involved in numerous aspects of federal law enforcement, including investigating threats against judicial figures, it does not have the same direct mandate for judicial protection as the U.S. Marshals do. The other agencies listed, such as the ATF and DEA, have specific focuses on firearms, explosives, and drug-related crimes respectively, which do not encompass the broader protective role of the U.S. Marshals in relation to the federal judiciary.