Amid heightened accusations of politicization, Attorney General Merrick Garland is again defending his department as an independent source of justice.
In an impassioned speech before the Department of Justice staff, Garland thanked his colleagues for the jobs they do every day. Appearing teary-eyed at times, he affirmed the importance of the department’s work.
But he also focused on what he said was their professionalism amid heightened attacks on the DOJ. He said this was a particular issue during the Trump administration.
Ultimately, he vowed that the department would never be “used as a political weapon,” despite the many accusations that it has.
This is Garland’s latest response to Republican accusations of being weaponized by the Biden administration, particularly against former President Donald Trump. Trump brought up the issue during Tuesday’s debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump specifically alluded to the multiple legal cases brought against him following the January 6, 2021, riot. But the Justice Department has faced accusations of favoritism and weaponization in other cases as well.
Fox News legal editor Kerri Urbahn says the Justice Department has been aggressive in prosecuting the January 6 rioters but virtually silent on anti-Israel riots.
Urbahn also says the Justice Department failed to enforce a federal statute against the protesters who harassed conservative justices at their homes in 2022 following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Reports from us here at FISM News also show that the Justice Department has been particularly active in abortion cases. The DOJ is adamant in prosecuting cases involving pro-life protesters under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act – or FACE Act for short.
Perhaps the most notable case dealt with pro-life advocate Mark Houck, who was arrested by the FBI at his own home, but later vindicated in court.
At the same time, the Justice Department has been slow and hesitant to prosecute violence against pro-life centers. A recent analysis showed that 97% of all FACE Act prosecutions have been used specifically against pro-life Americans – and most under the Biden administration.