Things got very heated.
Attorney General Merrick Garland found himself engaged in a heated exchange with Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. The contentious interaction began with Van Drew delivering an opening statement and subsequently questioning Garland about a memo within the Department of Justice that was perceived as anti-Catholic. The hearing’s main focus was the alleged misuse of federal government resources against political opponents of President Joe Biden.
According to Newsmax, Van Drew started by asserting, “The American public sees a clear two-tiered system of justice, and as the person in charge, the responsibility ultimately rests with you. The actions of the DOJ are under your purview. The erosion of trust in our federal law enforcement agencies falls on your shoulders. The politicization of the DOJ is attributed to you. Attorney General, I need a straightforward yes or no response to the following question because time is limited. Do you believe that traditional Catholics are violent extremists, yes or no?”
Garland attempted to contextualize his response based on Van Drew’s statement, but Van Drew insisted on a direct answer.
“Attorney General, I’m asking you, through the chair, do you agree that traditional Catholics are violent extremists? Please answer the question,” Van Drew pressed.
Garland admitted he didn’t understand what was meant by “traditional,” but Van Drew clarified, saying, “Catholics! Catholics who attend church.”
Garland then requested an opportunity to respond, but Van Drew interrupted again, demanding a simple “yes” or “no” answer.
Frustrated, Garland expressed his strong objection, stating, “It’s absolutely outrageous and absurd to suggest that someone with my family background would discriminate against any religion. It’s difficult for me to respond to your question under these circumstances.”
Van Drew persisted, insisting, “Mr. Attorney General, it was your FBI that conducted these actions. Your FBI was responsible for sending undercover agents into Catholic churches, and we possess the evidence, including memos and emails.”
Garland responded by emphasizing, “Both the director of the FBI and I have publicly expressed our deep concern and disapproval of that memo.”