Washington, D.C. – Attorney General Merrick Garland strongly refuted false and dangerous narratives circulating about the Department of Justice during his appearance before the House Judiciary Committee. Garland asserted that he, along with the department, will not succumb to intimidation tactics.
The hearing took place amid threats from House GOP lawmakers to hold Garland in contempt for withholding records requested in connection with Special Counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into President Joe Biden’s handling of classified information. Garland emphasized that lawmakers were seeking this sensitive law enforcement information without a legitimate purpose, which could jeopardize future investigations.
As the proceedings unfolded, tensions rose as Republican Representative Matt Gaetz questioned Garland about the Justice Department’s interactions with various district attorney offices. Gaetz raised concerns about possible ties between these offices and the Justice Department, but Garland clarified that these entities operate independently.
Garland reiterated that the Justice Department had no involvement in certain investigations, emphasizing the independent nature of those ongoing probes. He emphasized the importance of transparency while also protecting the integrity of the judicial process amidst baseless conspiracy theories.
During questioning, Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler raised concerns about the dangerous implications of spreading falsehoods regarding law enforcement operations. Garland underscored the need to combat such narratives that could incite violence against prosecutors and agents.
The discussion also touched on the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith and the decision to assert executive privilege over records from Hur’s investigation. Garland defended these actions as necessary to safeguard future investigations and ensure the department’s independence from political influences.
In a poignant moment, Garland expressed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the department’s employees from external distractions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice system amid challenging circumstances.
As the hearing concluded, Garland stood firm in his resolve not to be intimidated and pledged to continue safeguarding the integrity of the Justice Department. His unwavering stance signaled a commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending democracy.