By now, most people are well aware of the controversy surrounding the upside-down American flag flown at the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, a symbol often associated with the “Stop the Steal” movement that alleges the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump. In January 2021, days after the Capitol riot, this flag was seen at the Alitos’ house. Justice Alito subsequently blamed his wife for the display, stating it was in response to a neighborhood dispute.
Now, one of Alito’s neighbors, Emily Baden, has come forward to offer her perspective. Baden lived on the same cul-de-sac as the Alitos in 2021 and has since moved, though her mother remains a resident. Baden recalls that political disagreements with Martha-Ann Alito led to what she describes as intimidating behavior. According to Baden, the Alitos’ security detail began parking their car directly in front of her mother’s house, several houses down from its usual position in front of or across the street from the Alitos’ residence.
Baden felt this was a direct threat, noting, “I took that as directly threatening.” She adds that the security detail resumed their previous positioning once the story reignited in the news. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “The message was, we could do terrible things to you, and nobody would be able to do anything about it.” Baden perceives this as indicative of the disparity in how laws are applied, especially when it comes to Supreme Court justices.
Despite the power Justice Alito holds, Baden stresses the importance of transparency and accountability. She asserts, “This story is not about me. I didn’t do anything except put a sign in my front yard. The story is that one of the most powerful men in the country showed allegiance to an insurrection. I’m horrified by this behaviour and want to see at least a modicum of accountability.”
Baden hopes her testimony will encourage others to stand up and resist. “If I’m coming forward, it is to encourage other people to resist. I want to galvanise people and let them know they have the power. It truly gives me chills to think how close we came to a coup, and Christian fascists taking over our country. [But] this is still a democracy.”
The full story on Emily Baden’s experience can be read here and additional details from her interview with The Guardian can be found here.