Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Jackson Abruptly Leaves Event in Alaska Over Family Emergency

Liberal Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was pulled off stage over a family emergency this week.

At first it was unclear why Justice Jackson’s Fairbanks, Alaska, event was cut short, but on Friday evening an obituary was published for her father.

Ketanji Brown Jackson’s father, Johnny Brown, a prominent Miami attorney, passed away. He was 80 years old.

A staffer approached Justice Jackson at an event at the Charles Davis Concert Hall in Fairbanks and informed her of an urgent matter. She wrapped up her remarks and left the stage.

Approximately 900 people were in attendance.

KTUU reported:

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson cut short a public appearance at the University of Alaska Fairbanks on Tuesday night after a liaison informed her of a personal emergency, organizers said.

The event at the Charles Davis Concert Hall drew more than 900 people. Jackson had been in the middle of a moderated question-and-answer session when the interruption occurred.

The moment was captured on camera. A staffer approached Jackson on stage and appeared to tell her there was an urgent matter that needed her attention. Jackson acknowledged the message, and the Q&A quickly wrapped up.

Event organizer Michelle Bartlett addressed the crowd after Jackson departed.

“There was an emergency that the justice needed to deal with,” Bartlett said. “I have no idea what it is. And to all of you who came out, stood in line, whatever you did to make it in here tonight, I am ever so grateful and I apologize.”