Attorney General William Barr defended the federal government’s response to violent riots that have broken out across the country, pushing back against the narrative that the demonstrations have been peaceful.
“To state what should be obvious, peaceful protesters do not throw explosives into federal courthouses, tear down plywood with crowbars, or launch fecal matter at federal officers,” Barr said in his prepared opening remarks, which were released Monday night before his testimony to the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday. “Such acts are, in fact, federal crimes under statutes enacted by this Congress.”
The topic of violent riots in Portland, Oregon, was addressed frequently Tuesday, and at one point, Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler slammed both Barr and President Trump for their reaction to the violent riots that have broken out across the country.
“The president wants footage for his campaign ads, and you appear to be serving it up to him as ordered. In most of these cities, the protests had begun to wind down before you marched in and confronted the protesters. … In this moment, real leadership would entail de-escalation. … Instead, you use pepper spray and truncheons on American citizens. … Shame on you, Mr. Barr,” Nadler said, prompting Barr to explain his belief that Nadler was conflating two different ideas.
“You’ve conflated two different things. The effort, like Operation Legend, is to deal with violent crime. … That does not involve encountering protesters, as you refer to it. Civil disturbance is a separate set of issues,” Barr said. “And I just reject the decision that the department is flooded anywhere in an attempt to suppress demonstrators. … And the fact of the matter is, in Portland, the courthouse is under attack.”
At one point, Barr reiterated his position that the protests in Oregon have not been peaceful and asked why it is acceptable to attempt to burn down a federal building, referring to an attack over the weekend in Portland.
AG Barr: “Since when is it okay to try to burn down a federal court?” pic.twitter.com/lV94Jm0vRH
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 28, 2020
