On Monday, federal prosecutors filed a 61-page response in the appeals court, supporting Judge James Zagel's decision to keep jurors' identities anonymous until after they reach a verdict.

"This case has generated an unprecedented amount of local, national, and international public attention," prosecutors wrote. "As illustrated by the fact that the district court itself has received unsolicited contacts regarding the case, it is apparent that there exists a substantial risk that, if identified, the seated jurors would become the targets of unsolicited, and presumptively prejudicial, contacts."

News organizations, including the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Illinois Press Association and Illinois Broadcaster's Association made the bid to release jurors' names.