Kavanaugh accuser wants FBI probe before testifying
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump doubled down on backing his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh, as his accuser demanded an FBI probe into her allegations of sexual assault before testifying.
“A full investigation by law enforcement officials will ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this matter are assessed in a non-partisan manner, and that the committee is fully informed before conducting any hearing or making any decisions,” lawyers for Christine Blasey Ford said in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The Republican-dominated panel had invited both Kavanaugh, 53, and Ford, 51, to testify publicly about her claims he pinned her down while he was drunk when they were teenagers.
Although Ford’s letter does not indicate whether she would attend the hearing without a probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it said that she has faced “vicious harassment and even death threats” since going public with her allegations on Sunday.
“As a result of these kind of threats, her family was forced to relocate out of their home. Her e-mail has been hacked, and she has been impersonated online,” it added.
Democrats were quick to back her call for a delay.
“I agree with her 100% that the rushed process to hold a hearing on Monday has been unfair and is reminiscent of the treatment of Anita Hill,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein.
She was referring to the woman who testified in 1991 against Justice Clarence Thomas when he was a nominee over workplace sexual harassment claims.
Thomas ultimately won confirmation after Republicans ruthlessly smeared Hill’s character.
“A proper investigation must be completed, witnesses interviewed, evidence reviewed and all sides spoken to. Only then should the chairman set a hearing date,” said Feinstein.
Trump, who has shrugged off allegations about his own sexual improprieties, told a White House press conference on Tuesday that Kavanaugh has an “impeccable history in every way” and “has gone beautifully up the ladder”.
Although he repeated his full support for the planned hearings over the claims, the president also rejected calls for an FBI probe and blamed the uproar on Democratic shenanigans to cast doubt over his pick to replace retired justice Anthony Kennedy.
“I don’t think the FBI should be involved because they don’t want to be involved,” Trump told reporters. “I feel so badly for him. This is not a man who deserves this.”