Heightened security as Brett Kavanaugh formally takes Supreme Court seat

Brett Kavanaugh formally takes his seat as the 114th justice at the traditional investiture ceremony at the Supreme Court Thursday morning. There will, however be a difference in the way the event is handled. The court has said that because of security concerns, Kavanaugh will not walk down the court’s long outside staircase with the chief justice.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to attend the ceremony.

Kavanaugh was confirmed October 6, by a 50-to-48 vote, the closest vote for a Supreme Court nominee since the 1800s. His dramatic confirmation process drew protest after he was accused by of sexual misconduct while he was in high school and college more than 30 years ago — charges he fiercely denied.

After the confirmation vote, Kavanaugh was immediately sworn in and has been on the bench hearing arguments and voting since Oct. 9.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be absent from Thursday’s ceremony. She is hospitalized after falling in in her office Wednesday night.

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