Kavanaugh accuser seeks FBI probe before testifying
washington — President Donald Trump doubled down on Tuesday 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 nonpartisan 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 email 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 per cent 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. Senator Chuck Schumer said Ford “deserves to be treated with respect and fairness by the Senate.”
Trump told a White House press conference that Kavanaugh has an “impeccable history in every way” and “has gone beautifully up the ladder.”—
A proper investigation must be completed, witnesses interviewed, evidence reviewed and all sides spoken to. Only then should the chairman set a hearing date.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee