Attorney General William Barr testified in a congressional hearing today, titled the “Oversight of the Department of Justice”, in front of the Democrat-led House Judiciary Committee. The hearing started off rocky, though, after Chairman Jerry Nadler was involved in a car crash on the way to the hearing.
Mr Barr's appearance on Capitol Hill was in first in front of the House Judiciary Committee despite multiple attempts by the Democrats to get the attorney general to testify before them.
In his opening testimony, Mr Barr vehemently defended his independence from the president after facing accusations of making decisions to appease Donald Trump. Mr Barr also defended the decision for federal agents to be deployed to cities like Portland, calling demonstrators in the city “violent rioters and anarchists”.
Mr Nadler then accused the attorney general of "aiding" and "abetting" in the president's "worst failings" during his own opening statement. He accused Mr Barr of many failings while attorney general, including allowing interference into the criminal cases of Trump allies, like Roger Stone and Michael Flynn.
Democrats chose what happened with Mr Stone as one line of questioning during the hearing. Mr Barr defended his decision to recommend a lesser sentence for the Trump ally, even though he supported the man being found guilty, but Democrats accused him of making the recommendations for a smaller sentence to appease Mr Trump.
Another important moment happened when Mr Barr was questioned about former US Attorney General Geoffrey Berman of SDNY stepping down. Mr Barr admitted he publicly announced the attorney general was stepping down prior to the man agreeing to leave office. He later backtracked that statement by saying Mr Berman was "removed" from office.
One theme consistent throughout the entire hearing was Democrats' refusal to let Mr Barr answer many of their questions. Instead the Democrats would cut the attorney general off to make their own statements. At one point, Mr Barr questioned why he was asked to speak in front of the hearing if he was unable to answer questions.
Republicans, on the other hand, used their time to attack Democrats and defend the attorney general. Top Republican Jim Jordan shared a video at the start of the hearing showing misleading imagery about the protests happening across the nation. Critics accused the representative of skewing the narrative and promoting propaganda.
Hello and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Attorney General William Barr's testifying in front of the House Judiciary Committee.
Top Democrat Jerry Nadler's car crash delays testimony of William Barr
Attorney General William Barr was expected to start his testimony in front of the House Judiciary Committee at 10am EST.
But Chairman Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on the committee, was in a car crash on his way to Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning. The chairman was not injured in the crash, but it has postponed the start of the hearing.
The hearing is now scheduled to start around 10:45am EST, according to CNN.
More details about the car crash here:
But Chairman Jerry Nadler, the top Democrat on the committee, was in a car crash on his way to Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning. The chairman was not injured in the crash, but it has postponed the start of the hearing.
The hearing is now scheduled to start around 10:45am EST, according to CNN.
More details about the car crash here:
Top Democrat's car crash delays testimony of Trump's attorney general
Chairman of House judiciary committee reported to be uninjured
House Judiciary Committee to grill Barr on Lafayette Square clearing and Michael Flynn case
The Democrat-led House Judiciary Committee has pushed for Attorney General William Barr to appear in front of them for a long time. Mr Barr will now face the committee for the first time about matters in the Department of Justice.
The Democrat-led House Judiciary Committee has pushed for Attorney General William Barr to appear in front of them for a long time. Mr Barr will now face the committee for the first time about matters in the Department of Justice.
it is expected for Democrats to question Mr Barr about the Department of Justice's role in the clearing of protesters in Lafayette Square in Washington DC so the president could have his infamous church photo-op.
Other topics to come up today include the deployment of federal agents to cities like Portland and Chicago, the Michael Flynn case, the Roger Stone Case, and Mr Barr's independence from President Donald Trump when making decisions.
Reports indicate Republicans are prepared to defend the attorney general throughout the hearing for how Mr Barr's handled his role in the Department of Justice throughout Mr Trump's presidency.
Barr to defend his independence from Trump in opening testimony
The attorney general released his opening testimony prior to the hearing on Tuesday.
In the testimony, he addressed accusations of making decisions in the Department of Justice based on what Donald Trump wanted.
He said the president "has not attempted to interfere" in criminal cases within the department.
Mr Barr added: "Indeed, it is precisely because I feel complete freedom to do what I think is right that induced me serve once again as Attorney General."
It was expected for House Democrats to grill Mr Barr about the criminal cases of Michael Flynn and Roger Stone, Both allies to the president.
The attorney general released his opening testimony prior to the hearing on Tuesday.
In the testimony, he addressed accusations of making decisions in the Department of Justice based on what Donald Trump wanted.
He said the president "has not attempted to interfere" in criminal cases within the department.
Mr Barr added: "Indeed, it is precisely because I feel complete freedom to do what I think is right that induced me serve once again as Attorney General."
It was expected for House Democrats to grill Mr Barr about the criminal cases of Michael Flynn and Roger Stone, Both allies to the president.
Portland protesters are described as "violent rioters and anarchists" by Barr
Attorney General William Barr will also address the protests happening across the country in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police.
State and local officials in Portland have slammed the Trump administration for deploying federal agents to the city without being asked. Although the agents were sent there to quell protests, it has only appeared to heighten the violence and encourage more people to come out.
Mr Floyd's death "understandably jarred the whole country and forced us to reflect on longstanding issues in our nation," Mr Barr stated in his opening testimony, which was released prior to the hearing.
But he then compared the number of black men who have died at the hands of police to statistics about the number of white men who have died, citing The Washington Post.
"According to statistics compiled by The Washington Post, the number of unarmed black men killed by police so far this year is eight. The number of unarmed white men killed by police over the same time period is 11," he will say.
These statistics don't paint the entire picture, though, about how many black men per capita compared to that of white men. By not making this distinction, Mr Barr has skewed the information to serve his purpose.
He added that the decision to deploy federal agents to cities across the country was not designed to do with the problem of violent mob rioting". Instead the mandate for the federal agents was to "help state and local law enforcement to meet their basic responsibility to solve crimes and keep their communities safe".
Mr Barr also took to a similar rhetoric of the president by calling protesters specifically in Portland "violent rioters and anarchists" who have "hijacked legitimate protests to wreak senseless havoc and destruction on innocent victims. The current situation in Portland is a telling example."
State and local officials in Portland have slammed the Trump administration for deploying federal agents to the city without being asked. Although the agents were sent there to quell protests, it has only appeared to heighten the violence and encourage more people to come out.
Mr Floyd's death "understandably jarred the whole country and forced us to reflect on longstanding issues in our nation," Mr Barr stated in his opening testimony, which was released prior to the hearing.
But he then compared the number of black men who have died at the hands of police to statistics about the number of white men who have died, citing The Washington Post.
"According to statistics compiled by The Washington Post, the number of unarmed black men killed by police so far this year is eight. The number of unarmed white men killed by police over the same time period is 11," he will say.
These statistics don't paint the entire picture, though, about how many black men per capita compared to that of white men. By not making this distinction, Mr Barr has skewed the information to serve his purpose.
He added that the decision to deploy federal agents to cities across the country was not designed to do with the problem of violent mob rioting". Instead the mandate for the federal agents was to "help state and local law enforcement to meet their basic responsibility to solve crimes and keep their communities safe".
Mr Barr also took to a similar rhetoric of the president by calling protesters specifically in Portland "violent rioters and anarchists" who have "hijacked legitimate protests to wreak senseless havoc and destruction on innocent victims. The current situation in Portland is a telling example."
Nadler says 'everyone is fine' as he apologises for delaying the hearing
"Everyone is fine except for maybe the car," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler said at the start of the hearing.
"Everyone is fine except for maybe the car," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler said at the start of the hearing.
The hearing with Attorney General William Barr initially was expected to start at 10am EST. It was delayed after Mr Nadler experienced a car crash on the way to Capitol Hill this morning.
He apologised for the delay ahead of his opening statement.
He apologised for the delay ahead of his opening statement.
Top Democrat accuses Trump's attorney general of 'aiding' and 'abetting' president in 'worst failings'
Chairman Jerry Nadler opened the House Judiciary Committee's hearing with Attorney General William Barr by slamming the official for his relationship with President Donald Trump.
Chairman Jerry Nadler opened the House Judiciary Committee's hearing with Attorney General William Barr by slamming the official for his relationship with President Donald Trump.
"You have aided and abetted the worst failing of the president," Mr Nadler said.
"This failure of leadership comes at great cost. This administration has twisted the Department of Justice into a shadow of itself," he added.
The attorney general was accused of downplaying systemic racism in the country and not assisting the country in matters related to police brutality. He was also accused of having "open hostility to the Black Lives movement".
Mr Nadler went on ton say the attorney general has spread "disinformation about voter fraud", a topic Mr Trump has been persistent about in recent months.
Other accusations from Mr Nadler's fiery opening statement included accusing the attorney general of allowing interference into criminal cases involving Mr Trump's allies, hinting at cases involving Michael Flynn and Roger Stone.
"The department has placed the president's political needs over the nation's health. These actions come at a price," Mr Nadler said
'A direct threat to the country': Barr waging 'war' on Justice Department to protect Trump, top Democrat says
Chairman Jerry Nadler's scathing opening statement about Attorney General William Barr's relationship with President Donald Trump has started the House Judiciary Committee's hearing on Capitol Hill today.
More details on what Mr Nadler said here:
Chairman Jerry Nadler's scathing opening statement about Attorney General William Barr's relationship with President Donald Trump has started the House Judiciary Committee's hearing on Capitol Hill today.
More details on what Mr Nadler said here:
Barr waging 'war' on Justice Department to protect Trump, top Democrat says
Attorney General William Barr's leadership of Donald Trump's Justice Department represents "a direct threat to the country," House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler said on Tuesday,
Top Republican says 'spying' is why Democrats are now after Trump's attorney general
"Spying," Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican, said at the start of his opening statement.
"That's why they're after you, Mister Attorney General," he added, alluding to what he thought was the Democrat's main purpose for the Russia investigation.
"Spying," Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican, said at the start of his opening statement.
"That's why they're after you, Mister Attorney General," he added, alluding to what he thought was the Democrat's main purpose for the Russia investigation.
Mr Jordan later praised the attorney general for supporting police, specifically amid the protests erupting across the country, instead of backing movements like "defund the police".
He proceeded to play a lengthy video showing moments from protests across the country in recent months.
Barr calls the defund the police movement 'grossly irresponsible'
Attorney General William Barr's opening statement included him slamming the movement on the left to defund the police following the killing of George Floyd and other black Americans at the hands of police.
"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," Mr Barr said.
"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," Mr Barr said.
He added the movement was "grossly irresponsible" on the part of the left to decrease funding to police departments.
"The demonization of the police is not only unfair and inconsistent with principles of all people should be treated as individuals, but gravely injurious to the inner city communities," he said.
"The demonization of the police is not only unfair and inconsistent with principles of all people should be treated as individuals, but gravely injurious to the inner city communities," he said.
'Your characterisation of Portland is completely false', Barr says
Representative Zoe Lofgren, a Democrat of California, started her line of questioning by claiming a large majority of protesters in Portland were "nonviolent", mentioning the Wall of Moms movement.
She also said that the Trump administration deploying troops has only encouraged more people to turn out.
The New York Times reported that coverage of Portland inspired more protests around the country this past weekend, and more protest groups have formed in the liberal city since federal agents arrived.
But Mr Barr stood firm about his opinion on the Portland protests.
"Your characterisation of Portland is completely false," he said to the Democrat representative.
He later said the mission of the federal agents was to "enforce federal law" and "protecting federal property".
"Federal courts are under attack," Mr Barr said. "Since when is it OK to burn down a federal courthouse ... is that OK now? The US Marshalls have a duty to protect that and that is what they are doing in Portland. It is not to start trouble."
The New York Times reported that coverage of Portland inspired more protests around the country this past weekend, and more protest groups have formed in the liberal city since federal agents arrived.
But Mr Barr stood firm about his opinion on the Portland protests.
"Your characterisation of Portland is completely false," he said to the Democrat representative.
He later said the mission of the federal agents was to "enforce federal law" and "protecting federal property".
"Federal courts are under attack," Mr Barr said. "Since when is it OK to burn down a federal courthouse ... is that OK now? The US Marshalls have a duty to protect that and that is what they are doing in Portland. It is not to start trouble."
Footage has shown protesters tearing down fences around the federal courthouse, but agents have also been shown using violence against unarmed demonstrators.
Barr says he does not believe systemic racism exists in US police departments
"I don't agree that there's systemic racism in police departments generally in this country," Mr Barr said during a line of questioning.
He was pushed about why the Department of Justice has not worked to end systemic racism and police brutality against black Americans given the recent deaths.
The attorney general denied that it wasn't a priority in his department.
"I'm opposed to eliminating qualified immunity," Mr Barr added.
Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine designed to protect government officials from being personally liable to constitutional violations. For police officers, they are offered qualified immunity when their actions do not violate clearly established statuary or constitutional rights.
Democrats have pushed to remove qualified immunity for police officers because some have argued it allows them to get away with excessive force and other actions against citizens.
Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine designed to protect government officials from being personally liable to constitutional violations. For police officers, they are offered qualified immunity when their actions do not violate clearly established statuary or constitutional rights.
Democrats have pushed to remove qualified immunity for police officers because some have argued it allows them to get away with excessive force and other actions against citizens.
Trump's AG claims the president's friends 'don't deserve to be treated more harshly than other people'
Attorney General William Barr has defended his involvement in the cases against Michael Flynn and Roger Stone while claiming he worked to "restore the rule of law" in the Department of Justice upon his appointment.
"I'm supposedly punishing the President's enemies and helping his friends. What enemies have I indicted?" Barr asked. "You you say I helped the president's friends. The cases that are cited, the Stone case and the Flynn case are both cases where I determined that some intervention was necessary to rectify the rule of law, to make sure people are treated the same."
"I agree the President's friends don't deserve special breaks, but they also don't deserve to be treated more harshly than other people, and sometimes that's a difficult decision to make especially when you know you are going to be castigated for it. That's fairness to the individual ultimately comes to. Being willing to do what's fair to the individual," Mr Barr added.
Attorney General William Barr has defended his involvement in the cases against Michael Flynn and Roger Stone while claiming he worked to "restore the rule of law" in the Department of Justice upon his appointment.
"I'm supposedly punishing the President's enemies and helping his friends. What enemies have I indicted?" Barr asked. "You you say I helped the president's friends. The cases that are cited, the Stone case and the Flynn case are both cases where I determined that some intervention was necessary to rectify the rule of law, to make sure people are treated the same."
"I agree the President's friends don't deserve special breaks, but they also don't deserve to be treated more harshly than other people, and sometimes that's a difficult decision to make especially when you know you are going to be castigated for it. That's fairness to the individual ultimately comes to. Being willing to do what's fair to the individual," Mr Barr added.
Mr Barr later said he thought Mr Stone should go to jail. Donald Trump computed his ally's sentence earlier in July.
But Mr Barr added that he thought the prosecutors were attempting to go for a higher sentence against Mr Stone because he was an ally to the president.
"I was not going to advocate that because that is not the rule of law," he said.
But Mr Barr added that he thought the prosecutors were attempting to go for a higher sentence against Mr Stone because he was an ally to the president.
"I was not going to advocate that because that is not the rule of law," he said.
Barr doubles down on his decision to recommend a lower sentence for Stone
In a line of questioning with Representative Hank Johnson, a Democrat of Georgia, Donald Trump's attorney general was pushed about why he recommended a lesser sentencing for Roger Stone, an ally to the president.
Prosecutors recommended for Mr Stone to serve seven to nine years in prison after he was found guilty on seven federal accounts, including witness tampering and lying to investigators.
Following the sentencing, Mr Trump tweeted out that the number of years given to Mr Stone was too high. Then, following that tweet, Mr Barr revealed within his department that he was recommending a lesser sentence for the president's ally.
Following the sentencing, Mr Trump tweeted out that the number of years given to Mr Stone was too high. Then, following that tweet, Mr Barr revealed within his department that he was recommending a lesser sentence for the president's ally.
Mr Johnson asked the attorney general if the sentencing given to Mr Stone was within guidelines for the crimes he was found guilty of by the court.
"It was within the guidelines but it was not within Justice Department guidelines, in my view," he said, saying Mr Stone's age played a part into his decision.
"I had not discussed my sentencing recommendation with anyone in the White House," he added.
Mr Johnson appeared to accuse the attorney general of making his recommendation because the president expressed his disproval following the sentencing.
"I had not discussed my sentencing recommendation with anyone in the White House," he added.
Mr Johnson appeared to accuse the attorney general of making his recommendation because the president expressed his disproval following the sentencing.
Trump attorney general Barr claims feds 'on defence' in Portland
Attorney General William Barr cast himself as the victim of Democratic attacks on Tuesday while defending his decisions to deploy unwanted federal law enforcement units to US cities such as Portland, Oregon, and intervene in the criminal prosecutions of two of Donald Trump's friends, Michael Flynn and Roger Stone.
Attorney General William Barr cast himself as the victim of Democratic attacks on Tuesday while defending his decisions to deploy unwanted federal law enforcement units to US cities such as Portland, Oregon, and intervene in the criminal prosecutions of two of Donald Trump's friends, Michael Flynn and Roger Stone.
"We are on the defence [in Portland]. We're not out looking for trouble," Mr Barr told lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee during his first ever testimony before the panel.
"If the state and the city would provide the law enforcement services that other jurisdictions do, we would have no need to have additional marshals in the courthouse," Mr Barr said, arguing that, for weeks, violent protesters have attempted to besiege the federal US courthouse in Portland.
Griffin Connolly has the full story about this line of questioning:
Trump attorney general Barr claims feds 'on defence' in Portland
Attorney General William Barr cast himself as the victim of Democratic attacks on Tuesday while defending his decisions to deploy unwanted federal law enforcement units to US cities such as Portland, Oregon.
Barr details his department's investigation into Antifa, specifically in Portland
Attorney General William Barr was asked about his thoughts on Antifa, a far-left militant group accused of promoting violence and riots.
Attorney General William Barr was asked about his thoughts on Antifa, a far-left militant group accused of promoting violence and riots.
He said the Department of Justice was investigating the group for domestic terrorism but had yet to determine if it was a terrorist organisation.
"There are number of violent extreme groups in the United States. Antifa is heavily represented in the recent riots, that is not to say they are the only group involved," Mr Barr said.
"They have been identified in mob actions taken place across the country," he added.
Mr Barr added that his department's investigation into Portland has shown involvement from Antifa to create mob violence amid the protesters, causing concern.
Mr Barr added that his department's investigation into Portland has shown involvement from Antifa to create mob violence amid the protesters, causing concern.
"We are concerned about this problem metastasising across the country. We feel like in a place like Portland, where even we don't have the support of local government, we have to take a stand and defend this federal property," he said.
Attorney general claims there is a 'high risk' voter fraud will increase if mail-in ballots are allowed
Donald Trump's attorney general has backed the president's claims that mail-in voting could lead to voter fraud.
Donald Trump's attorney general has backed the president's claims that mail-in voting could lead to voter fraud.
"I think there is a high risk it will," Attorney General William Barr said, but admitted he voted by mail once.
"I'm not talking about accommodations to people how have to be out of state ... If you have wholesale mail-in voting it substantially increases voter fraud," he added.
No reports have indicated mail-in ballots increased voter fraud in past elections. Donald Trump and other members of his administration have previously voted by mail. But the president has claimed other people doing so, specifically amid the coronavirus, would lead to fraud.
No reports have indicated mail-in ballots increased voter fraud in past elections. Donald Trump and other members of his administration have previously voted by mail. But the president has claimed other people doing so, specifically amid the coronavirus, would lead to fraud.
Mr Trump has hinted to his Twitter following that he might not accept the upcoming election results by claiming voter fraud will be committed.
Mr Barr was asked if the president would have a legal standing to contest the upcoming election results if he were to lose by a significant margin.
Mr Barr was asked if the president would have a legal standing to contest the upcoming election results if he were to lose by a significant margin.
"Not that I'm aware of," the attorney general said.
Barr defends reports of federal agents using unmarked vans to detail protesters
Representative Ted Lieu, a Democrat of California, asked Attorney General William Barr about the legal standard of seizing and arresting protesters.
Mr Barr said the arrest has to be "predicated on probable cause".
Representative Ted Lieu, a Democrat of California, asked Attorney General William Barr about the legal standard of seizing and arresting protesters.
Mr Barr said the arrest has to be "predicated on probable cause".
The representative then mentioned multiple instances when it appeared federal agents did not have probable cause to arrest and detain protesters, including using unmarked vans to move a demonstrator away from the area.
He also mentioned the Supreme Court case of Dunaway v NY, which ruled that taking someone into custody and detaining them constitutes an arrest. But Mr Barr would not agree, despite the Supreme Court ruling, that it could constitute an arrest.
Representative Debbie Lesko, a Republican of Arizona, later yielded her time to Mr Barr so he could answer Mr Lieu's accusations that federal agents were impeding on protesters conditional rights and not abiding by the Fourth Amendment, which does not allow officers to use unreasonable searches and seizures against citizens.
He also mentioned the Supreme Court case of Dunaway v NY, which ruled that taking someone into custody and detaining them constitutes an arrest. But Mr Barr would not agree, despite the Supreme Court ruling, that it could constitute an arrest.
Representative Debbie Lesko, a Republican of Arizona, later yielded her time to Mr Barr so he could answer Mr Lieu's accusations that federal agents were impeding on protesters conditional rights and not abiding by the Fourth Amendment, which does not allow officers to use unreasonable searches and seizures against citizens.
Mr Barr said the reasoning behind agents using unmarked vans was so that they could "pick them up where there was less of a risk to this mob response."
"It doesn't mean there wasn't probable cause. In some cases it could be a misidentification in other cases it could mean the person ditched the laser," he said mentioning one instance of a protester using a laser against federal agents.
"It doesn't mean there wasn't probable cause. In some cases it could be a misidentification in other cases it could mean the person ditched the laser," he said mentioning one instance of a protester using a laser against federal agents.
Video of Navy veteran Christopher David is used as evidence of federal agents using violence against protesters
Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat of Rhode Island, used the video footage of Navy veteran Christopher David as proof federal agents have used excessive force against protesters in Portland.
The video showed federal agents hitting Mr David with batons and using tear gas on the man while he stood still.
Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat of Rhode Island, used the video footage of Navy veteran Christopher David as proof federal agents have used excessive force against protesters in Portland.
The video showed federal agents hitting Mr David with batons and using tear gas on the man while he stood still.
"The inspector general is reviewing that particular incident," Attorney General William Barr said about the incident.
"I don't think peaceful protesters should face that," he added when questioned if "peaceful protesters" should be tear gassed or face "broken bones" by federal agents during demonstrations.
Mr David's hand was fractured in multiple places after federal agents hit him with batons.
Here is our interview with Mr David following the incident:
Mr David's hand was fractured in multiple places after federal agents hit him with batons.
Here is our interview with Mr David following the incident:
Veteran speaks out after video of federal officers beating him goes viral
‘I stood my ground at that point and just stayed there,’ Christopher David, 53, told The Independent
Democrats challenge Barr's decision to not intervene when armed protesters stormed the Michigan Capitol building
One point the Democrats have brought up consistently throughout the hearing was that Attorney General William Barr reminded silent when protesters wielding guns stormed Michigan's Capitol building and threatened Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
"There is a real discrepancy in how you react when white men with swasticas storm a Capitol building with guns ... but when black people protest systemic racism ,,, then you forcibly remove them with federal officers ... because they are considered terrorists by the president," Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat of Washington, claimed.
One point the Democrats have brought up consistently throughout the hearing was that Attorney General William Barr reminded silent when protesters wielding guns stormed Michigan's Capitol building and threatened Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
"There is a real discrepancy in how you react when white men with swasticas storm a Capitol building with guns ... but when black people protest systemic racism ,,, then you forcibly remove them with federal officers ... because they are considered terrorists by the president," Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat of Washington, claimed.
"You are supposed to represent the people of the United States of America, not impede on their First Amendment rights," she added.
During this line of questioning, Mr Barr claimed he was not aware about the Michigan protests at the time they occurred.
During this line of questioning, Mr Barr claimed he was not aware about the Michigan protests at the time they occurred.
He was also questioned about why pepper spray was used against peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square in Washington DC so President Donald Trump could walk to a nearby church.
"I don't accept your characterisation of what happened," Barr said, claiming pepper spray was not used despite reports indicating it was used on protesters.
"I don't accept your characterisation of what happened," Barr said, claiming pepper spray was not used despite reports indicating it was used on protesters.
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