William Barr’s opening statement has been released and apparently anarchists abound as the Mueller report signaled a “bogus Russiagate scandal”. Hopefully House questioners will ask Barr why sending DHS “contractors” to cities isn’t the kind of provocation where gaslight gets thrown on a fire.
You can read Attorney General Barr's written statement here.
“Ever since I made it clear that I was going to do everything I could to get to the bottom of the grave abuses involved in the bogus “Russiagate” scandal, many of the Democrats on this Committee have attempted to discredit me by conjuring up a narrative that I am simply the President’s factotum who disposes of criminal cases according to his instructions. Judging from the letter inviting me to this hearing, that appears to be your agenda today.”
Finally, I want to address a different breakdown in the rule of law that we have witnessed over the past two months. In the wake of George Floyd’s death, violent rioters and anarchists have hijacked legitimate protests to wreak senseless havoc and destruction on innocent victims. The current situation in Portland is a telling example. Every night for the past two months, a mob of hundreds of rioters has laid siege to the federal courthouse and other nearby federal property. The rioters arrive equipped for a fight, armed with powerful slingshots, tasers, sledgehammers, saws,knives, rifles, and explosive devices. Inside the courthouse are a relatively small number of federal law enforcement personnel charged with a defensive mission: to protect the courthouse, home to Article III federal judges, from being overrun and destroyed.
What unfolds nightly around the courthouse cannot reasonably be called a protest; it is, by any objective measure, an assault on the Government of the United States. In recent nights, rioters have barricaded the front door of the courthouse, pried plywood off the windows with crowbars,and thrown commercial-grade fireworks into the building in an apparent attempt to burn it down with federal personnel inside. The rioters have started fires outside the building, and then systematically attacked federal law enforcement officers who attempt to put them out—for example, by pelting the officers with rocks, frozen water bottles, cans of food, and balloons filled with fecal matter. A recent video showed a mob enthusiastically beating a Deputy U.S. Marshal who was trying to protect the courthouse – a property of the United States government funded by this Congress – from further destruction. A number of federal officers have been injured, including one severely burned by a mortar-style firework and three who have suffered serious eye injuries and may be permanently blind.
assets.documentcloud.org/...
On Tuesday morning, when Attorney General William Barr finally appears before the House Judiciary Committee, a book will be released covering one of Barr’s most controversial and most consequential actions to date: the attorney general’s grossly misleading summary of the Mueller Report.
The book’s author is Ambassador Norman Eisen, who served as special counsel to the Judiciary Committee during the impeachment hearings of Donald J. Trump. His was not simply a ringside seat; Eisen was a key player. That’s why this behind-the-scenes account sheds new light on the history-shaping impact of Barr’s actions.
“He’s lying.” Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler privately told Eisen and other staff as they tried to make sense of Barr’s 4-page summary without the benefit of the Mueller Report itself. The Chairman “saw right through Barr’s fabrications and was blunt about it,” writes Eisen in the book.
www.justsecurity.org/...
Tuesday, Jul 28, 2020 · 5:54:20 PM +00:00 · annieli
Reminder that Jimmy Jordan refused to wear a mask during HJC's last hearing.
Nadler to Barr: You have aided and abetted the worst failings of the President.
Nadler: In this justice department, the President's enemies will be prosecuted and his friends will be protected.
Placed POTUS' political needs over public health, by challenging public limits.
Nadler: This committee has a responsibility to protect Americans from that kind of corruption.
Jordan: Spying. That one word, That's why they're after you.
[Jordan is defending Barr for lying.]
BREAKING: Ranking member of HJC is opposed to undercover FBI employees.
But only in one single case.
Also note: Jordan just got the dates of Azra Turk and Pap wrong.
BREAKING: Jordan now citing a bunch of people who were not part of the FBI investigation to judge the FBI investigation.
Note: The DOJ IG Report Jimmy Jordan claims to be relying on showed that Strzok did not lead the investigation, and in fact made no decision on his own.
Tuesday, Jul 28, 2020 · 6:04:33 PM +00:00 · annieli
Okay, I've searched this paranoid rant of a document.
How many times did these terms appear:
Racism 0
Black Lives 0
Antifa 8
Obama 107
Non-violent 2 (to refer to Roger Stone!)
6/
Bill Barr's 50-page "pre-buttal" seems to be obsessed with Barack Obama. He's mentioned more than even Trump.
7/
Here we go. Nadler has gaveled in
8/
Chair Nadler mentioned that Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is present.
9/
Nadler said members should all wear masks unless they are speaker.
Now he begins his opening remarks. Thanks Barr for being here. First appearance before the committee.
10/
Now historical background re Congress creating the Department of Justice and the reasoning. Foundation of professionals, impartial admistration of law.
Also to enforce nation's first civil rights laws after Civil War. Ensure right to vote, and stem tied of systemic racism.
11/
Nadler said these two objectives (1) impartial administration of justice and (2) enforce civil rights laws to protect American citizens are at risk now.
"Pivotal moment in our nation's history"
12/
💥We are witnessing the federal government turning violently on its own people. Not done by president alone. After Trump humiliated his first attorney general, "he found you."
13/
Nadler levels these charges at Barr's justice department
1. unconstitutionally suppressing dissent in cities where federal gov't is not invited; 2. open hostility to BLM movement;
14/
3.spread disinformation about voter fraud, tried to change census rules, to assist president's re-election; 4. amplified pres' consipracy theories by misrepresenting Mueller report and not holding Russia accountable and undermining justice department lawyers
15/
There was a fifth on that list
Dangerous expansive view of executive power. Direct threat to liberty and safety of the country
Nadler says, "we were warned" at the confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary committee.
16/
Nadler calls all of this a "failure of leadership." Said this committee has a responsibility to protect the American people from the corruption he described where their needs are only addressed after the powerful are served.
17/
Oh, boy. It's Jim Jordan.
He begins with the word "spying."
Shouty. Shout. Shout. Oy. Papadopolous. Drink. (For me the drinking is iced coffee)
18/
We've got a Jim Comey, a Christopher Steele. It's like
@realDonaldTrump gave Jim Jordan a list of names to hit. Now we've got a Horowitz. And an Obama-Biden. And another Obama-Biden. Ooooh, and "a secret agent lady."
19/
@mentionsNice. A Sally Yates and a Susan Rice and a James Clapper. Niiiice. He got a Peter Strzok and a dossier.
Impressive, he even got the fact that Trump won in 2016 in there.
20/
We have some praise of Michael Flynn. Another "Obama-Biden" DOJ.
This is so BORING. Hey
@realDonaldTrump, your boy Jordan is boring, boring, boring.
Old, boring, repetitive. Yaaaaawn
21/
Hey Jim Jordan, I think you are actually making
@RepJerryNadler's point for him. This is supposed to be a hearing about how the DOJ under Barr is FOCUSED on Trump instead of the American people. And you have been yammering on about how Trump is a victim
22/
What a disaster this is. I am ashamed for the Republicans.
23/
Now Jordan is playing a video. Or trying to. It's a video of people saying the words "peaceful protesters." And then juxtaposing with someone who lost a loved one in St. Louis. And a burning building.
24/
Now he's showing images of looting. This is an attempt to conflate the peaceful protesters with those who were looting or violent. Separate places, separate times.
25/
What a disaster this is. Trump's America is on fire. I don't think Jim Jordan is helping.
26/
As a "suburban mom," I have to say this video makes me want Trump gone now. This is AMERICAN CARNAGE. That the heck is wrong with Jim Jordan and the Republicans?
27/
The video is done. Nadler quipped that Jordan should not complain about the length of his opening statement again.
Nadler is introducing Barr, who is now rising to be sworn in.
27/
Apparently Barr has a written statement. I have not seen it yet, but perhaps it's posted on the website now.
Barr is beginning. He is praising John Lewis.
28/
Barr begins by saying there is one standard of justice that applies to everyone. He says the president has told him to exercise his "independent judgment."
29/
Before he took this job he was almost 70 years old and "slipping into retirement."
REALLY? Then why did he send in that memo in the summer of 2018 explaining his odd view that a sitting president could not obstruct justice?
30/
Barr turns to George Floyd. Speaking about the 1960s when Jim Crow and explicitly racist edifice was torn down. He speaks to diversity on police forces.
"Although the death of George Floyd at the hands of police was a shocking event" he then pointed to decline
31/
These "events strike a deep chord in the Black community." Said part of a "lingering concern" that Black people will be unfairly treated. He referenced Tim Scott being pulled over.
Said "these concerns are legitimate" that many Blacks feel they are treating suspiciously
32/
Said "we in law enforcement" should make sure we do not have "two systems of justice."
Now he moves to saying it's "unfair and inconsistent" to demonize the police.
33/
"When communities turn on and pillory the police" officers become risk averse and crime rates go up.
He said the greatest risk to Black people is homicide by civilians, not by law enforcement.
34/
"Violent rioters and anarchists have hijacked legitimate protests," he said, pointing to Portland, Oregon.
He said "the rioters have come equipped for fighting."
35/
Barr said federal personnel are there to "defend the courthouse."
He said the actions in Portland are an "assault on the government of the United States."
36/
Said all lawmakers regardless of party should condemn these attacks
37/
Nadler's turn to ask questions. He begins with Barr announcing the launch of Operation Legend on July 22 with Trump.
How does this fit with Operation Relentless Pursuit? Nadler's suggestion is that Legend is just a "repackaging of existing operations".
Why the drama?
38/
People believe you are trying to help the President's re-election efforts. Conflict with police is central theme of President's campaign.
Did you pre-brand to help his campaign? Is that wrong to divert resources to do that?
39/
Barr said the "Relentless Pursuit" which started in fall was "quelched by Covid." So he said "we did reboot the program".
He said "there is serious violent crime in these cities. . .and mayors have been asking us for help."
40/
"Yes or no, have you discussed the president's re-election campaign" with president or anyone else?
Barr: "Obviously the topic comes up . . .it shouldn't be a surprise."
41/
In connection with his re-election have you ever discuss the current or future deployment of federal law enforcement.
Barr: "I am not going to get into my discussions with the president."
42/
"You really can't hide behind legal fictions, Mr. Barr. . . the president wants footage for his campaign ads and you appear to be serving it up to the president."
"The protesters aren't mobs. They're" mothers, and mayors and peaceful citizens.
43/
Good job, Chair Nadler, "Shame on you, Mr. Barr."
44/
Bill Barr said Nadler had "conflated" Project Legend. Said it does not involve confronting protesters.
Said the department has not flooded anywhere to confront protesters. He said in Portland the courthouse is under attack, and police he said are "within the permimeter"
45/
He said, "we are on the defense. We are not out looking for trouble."
46/
Now we have Mike Johnson from Louisiana.
Barr said he's trying to "restore the rule of law." And said he did not think the DOJ had that previously.
47/
Barr on Johnson's time addresses Nadler's accusations.
Said I am not "punishing the president's enemies and helping his friends."
48/
Barr just called his own employees "the lying prosecutors" who wanted to put Stone in jail for 7-9 years.
Huh. But that was not the judges sentence and Trump commuted the shorter sentence. Just 40 months
49/
Rep. Johnson (R-LA) is going after Obama. He seems to be citing that 50-page rant "pre-buttal" that I posted above. Complaining that Eric Holder was Obama's "wingman."
50/
"The president's playbook is to divert attention from his catastrophic failure in dealing with the Covid-19" pandemic, says Rep.
@RepZoeLofgren
51/
Lofgren said the impression is that there is violence and that American people should be afraid of other American's. That's how he hopes to win the election.
52/
Lofgren said that Wall of Moms show up to make sure people are safe. They say they are being teargassed, shot at with beanbags and pepper spray.
53/
Lofgren is asking about the Executive Order that asked for deployment of troops to protect monuments.
Barr said "we've made arrests of people who are rioting" but said they are not troops.
54/
Great piece to read from @ThePlumLineGS on Barr's opening statement when you have a moment
Wow. How rude. A republican house member just accused Lofgren of not bothering to come to work. She is from California. I would argue that keeping her colleagues safe and staying near her constituents during this time is doing her job.
56/
Barr says to Rep. Chabot (R-OH), "since when is it okay to try to burn down a federal court?"
Of course that's not okay.
57/
Discussion of weapons. (Slingshots, lasers, starting fires inside and on the perimeter).
58/
Chabot asks whether federal law enforcement would need to be there if state and local officials did their jobs?
Barr says the federal "re-enforcements" are needed because the local law enforcement allow them to attack the courthouse.
59/
Barr says the forces are not "storm troopers" but are special operations marshals which are tactical teams that are "padded and protected."
60/
Barr said there are 95 DHS federal protective services trying to protect the courthouse and three other buildings. "Federal functions and federal buildings."
61/
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee asked to have photo of Lewis & Clark history professor who was injured by federal police in Portland. Lee also said the murder of George Floyd is not "shocking" but is outright "cold-blooded murder."
62/
I think Bill Barr said he did not agree with Lee that there was systemic racism in the justice system. But it was hard to hear him because he did not turn on his mic I think at that moment. That was not intentional. It's hard to remember to press the mic as a witiness.
63/
Rep.
@JacksonLeeTX18 is providing stopping and arresting statistics to show systemic racism.
She asked why only one pattern or practice investigation since he took office?
64/
He is dodging Lee's question.
Lee asked if he was aware in FY19 only 27 out of every 100,000 charges involved charges under 18 usc 242.
65/
Lee said it was not Barr's priority to bring these cases, instead it was letting Stone and Manafort out of jail
66/
Brace yourself. It's Louis Gohmert (R-TX). He has a lot of nerve they are seeming shocked by numbers of people injured or killed in "peaceful protests."
We have had 150,000 people die due to Trump's failure to protect us and show leadership due to Corona.
67/
Gohmert said shouldn't government shut down protests during Covid spread?
Even Barr said, "no I've never considered it."
68/
Gohmert is likening protests in the streets to the 1917 Bolshevik revolution. He also referred to Mao that year, but I think he meant the May 4, 1919 movement.
69/
Wait. Wut? Gohmert has a law degree?
70/
Okay. Looks like Gohmert has Trump's list of names to hit.
We got Judge Berman. We have Bruce Orr. Christopher Wray.
71/
We have Steve Cohen (D-TN) asking about someone in DOJ he wants to testify before his subcommittee
Barr: I'll talk to him about it.
72/
Now Cohen goes to the tear-gassing and photo-op at Lafayette Square on June 1. "The protesters were peaceful . .and the response was excessive."
When did you learn that the president was going to walk to St. John's church.
73/
Barr said he learned that afternoon.
Cohen said it was necessary to clear the park so Trump could walk.
Barr tried to interrupt to say that was not the plan.
Cohen snapped back, but it was necessary, and you said "get it done."
74/
Wowza. Cohen is covering a lot of ground here. He blamed Barr for Epstein's suicide in prison. Then he's onto the misleading summary of the Mueller report last year. I cannot keep up with him. We still have not seen the unredacted Mueller report. . .but there's more
75/
Now Cohen is seeking recognition for unanimous consent requests. Introducing various news columns or op-eds.
I think
@RepCohen gets an award for the most efficient use of time. Head still spinning. Barely captured what he covered.
76/
Niiice. Also included is letter from 80% of the faculty from GWU School of Law (Barr's alma mater). ICYMI
@ProfSchooner
77/
Doug Collins (R-GA) claims that using the word "storm trooper" encourages violence against law enforcement.
Barr agrees when asked. That it's "possible".
78/
Collins asks Barr whether there was a basis for investigating Flynn. Barr does not directly answer but says someone he asked concluded that there was not a basis.
79/
Collins is an idiot. No not even Barr thought there was a Brady violation.
Unbelievably, Barr said that the Flynn interview was "untethered to any legitimate investigation."
80/
I'm having a hard timing hearing Hank Johnson (D-GA). Now he took off his mask to speak. Asking Barr whether Trump is a prolific tweeter.
81/
Trump complained about sentencing recommendation in Stone case just hours after it was made. And hours later you filed a sentencing recommendation hours after tweet.
Barr is incredibly rude to him. Keeps dodging facts.
Barr claims, "I did not ask for a lower sentence."
82/
Rep. Johnson pushed him that the "lying prosecutors" to whom he referred made a guidelines sentence.
Barr admitted that, "It was within the guidelines" but not the policy of department.
83/
Is Barr raising his voice at Rep. Johnson because he's a Black man. Or is it just coincidental?
84/
This is brilliant questioning by
@RepHankJohnson. He's raised Barr's blood pressure and his voice.
85/
This is rich. Oh Lord. Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) is calling Democrats authoritarians. Claiming "Antifa" is a fascist militia of the left.
And, somehow he's also blaming the left (i.e.
@BetoORourke) for wanting to take guns from Americans.
So, which is it? Violence good or bad?
86/
Barr is speaking oh so softly to Buck who has asked him about using RICO -- the racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act. "But that doesn't mean that we currently have a RICO case."
88/
Barr asked for a recess. The acting committee chair politely said, 5 minutes?
Barr in a rude tone said, "fine."
89/
Andrea Mitchell said that that Jordan violated the committee rules by not providing 48 hours (as Nadler had noted) before introducing it, plus the editing of it "was pretty extraordinary."
91/
We are back, Rep. Ted Deutch is asking about Roger Stone.
Barr said it was elevated to him by Tim Shea.
92/
Deutch said Shea may have been new, but worked for him 30 years ago, and was on Barr's staff and advised him on policy before he named him to Acting U.S. Attorney for the D. of. C in February.
You told ABC news he spoke to senior staff the first week he was there
93/
Shea's memo said 7 - 9 years, but you overruled the line prosecutors.
Did an "extraordinary physical impairment" apply to Roger Stone.
Barr keeps dodging.
94/
Barr is now shouting again.
"The judge agreed with me! The judge agreed with me!"
95/
Excellent. Can you think of even one case where someone threatened the life of a witness where the government considered that to be a "technicality."
Barr is trying to say the witness said he didn't feel threatnened.
96/
We have Martha Roby (R-AL) talking now.
"Do you beleive that Congress is adequately providing" state and local agencies enough money to combat child trafficking
Barr said more resources are always good, but then asked use her time to talk about the Stone sentencing.
97/
Barr is getting into the weeds of sentencing calculations under the guidelines. He is misleadingly implying that only "mafiosa" get the enhancement that applied to Stone.
This is a good subject to research . . .
98/
He said he wanted to leave the sentence up to the judge and not provide a recommendation.
"At the end of the day" the judge agreed with me.
99/
Good for Roby, she's trying to re-direct his attention to child trafficking, especially online.
It's shameful that he wasted her time on defending himself instead of focusing on children. She (a Republican) has made Nadler's point
100/
It's
@RepKarenBass expresses concern about the "zero tolerance" attitude toward law enforcement. Discusses how police officers injected a young kid with ketomine. Do you know how often this drug is used to use during arrests.
Barr: No
101/
Bass asks Barr to investigate use of force and use of Ketomine.
Barr: "I'll look into the Ketomine."
He also said under President's Executive Order he's looking into use of force
102/
Bass compares police murder of George Floyd during his arrest for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill to the nonviolent arrests of Dylan Roof (who murdered many in a church) and of James Holmes (who murdered 12 people in movie theater). Police even gave Roof burger king103/
Barr said part of order is a database of police officers use of excessive force
104/
Bass said that after Jim Crow period the laws were not applied equally. "We do have systemic problems in our criminal justice system."
105/
Now it's Matt Gaetz who looks unwell, quite honestly. I hope he is getting medical attention.
On his comments, he's hitting the Trump list, saying he wants to see McCabe prosecuted.
Barr said he never said Antifa was a terrorist organization.
106/
Okay, nodded off for a moment. (Just kidding).
Alarming conversation between Rep. Cedric Richmond and Bill Barr about whether the election will be rigged.
107/
Barr said there's a "high-risk" that widescale switch to mail-in voting will lead to massive voter fraud.
108/
Richmond got Barr to acknowledge that African Americans are at disproportionate risk of dying from Coronavirus.
Can president contest an election because he loses?
Barr mentions Bush v. Gore. But said, when asked if it's a huge margin can he contest, "not that I'm aware."
109/
Nadler is reminding Jordan, Biggs, Johnson that they are required to wear their masks. One of them whined that they were trying to drink coffee.
110/
Jim Jordan asks Barr: "Would St. John's Church be standing today if you hadn't taken action?"
Barr clarified that protection happened on Sunday night.
111/
Jordan is hitting Trump's faves. Unmasking.
112/
Dear Rep. Jordan, what the president needs to hear is:
Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV.
113/
How does Jordan sleep at night. Shameful.
114/
Barr responded to Rep. Jeffries (D-NY), that if Trump loses, he -- meaning Barr -- would leave office.
But when asked what he thinks about Trump saying he would contest election. Said, "I'm not familiar with the comments."
115/
OMG. OMG. Really. Barr just actually blamed President Obama for the failure in coronavirus testing.
WTH
When asked what Barr thought about Trump telling Americans to inject themselves with bleach, Barr said, "That's not what I heard."
116/
This line of questioning is whether Trump is doing a "superb" job managing the virus.
Barr blamed
@BarackObama for letting supplies run dry. Note to self. Trump has been in office for 3 years.
Also note: Barr is a joke.
117/
"150,000 Americans are dead. It has been a failure of epic proportions" said
@RepJeffries
118/
We have Rep. Biggs. I am going to make some more coffee. BRB
119/
Barr is responding to questions about what happened before the Lafayette square event on June 1. Said 90 officers were injured. Said by Monday "it was total consensus" that "that kind of rioting" could happen so close to White House. Wanted to move perimeter
120/
Said the timing was that "much to my frustration" delays. Fencing had to be delivered, build up of protests.
He said "the crowd was very unruly." Claims park police made the tactical considerations.
121/
Wow. Damning analogy. He is at war with civilians. Barr said that we did not invade Philippines so Douglas McArthur could take walk on the beach.
122/
Nice
@RepSwalwell is holding Barr to his testimony at his confirmation hearing. Swapping a pardon to silence a witness would be a crime.
Asked whether he was investigating Trump for commuting the prison sentence of Roger Stone.
Barr said, no. Why should I?
123/
Good. Swalwell is telling Barr why he should investigate Trump.
124/
Roger Stone was in a position to expose Donald Trump's lies to Robert Mueller.
You don't read the President's Tweets?
Barr: No.
Swalwell tells him he should because there's lots of evidence in the tweets.
125/
Wow. Barr is unfamiliar with the facts.
This is a DAMNING line of questioning.
126/
Took a quick break for the coffee. Now someone is asking Barr about Flynn.
127/
Nobody accused anyone of Treason. Who is this Sensenbrenner or McClintock?
Also this guy randomly attacks
@keithellison
128/
Oh, good,
@tedlieu asks about legal standard for seizing and arresting protesters.
Barr agrees arrest has to be predicated on probable cause.
129/
💥UNBELIEVABLE. Barr refused to admit that taking someone into custody and questioning them is an arrest.
Dunaway v. NY is black letter law, Lieu says.
See SCOTUS decision here.
6-2
oyez.org/cases/1978/78-…
130/
This is the MOST IMPORTANT part of this entire hearing. Based on this, Lieu says Deputy Director Kline admitted that there was not probable cause before a protestor was arrested.
This was an arrest of a peaceful protesters. It's unconstitutional.
131/
Rep. @RepDLesko invites Barr to use her time to respond to Lieu's accusation.
What Barr is saying does not comport with the facts admitted to by Kline.
Barr is fighting the hypothetical
133/