Garland, under GOP attack, defends memo on violent threats against school board officials

Senate Republicans on Wednesday attacked Attorney General Merrick Garland, who defended a memo he issued on violent threats to school board officials.

A Senate hearing grew heated on Wednesday as Republicans repeatedly demanded Attorney General Merrick Garland retract and apologize for a memo he issued earlier this month aimed at addressing a rise in threats against school board officials around the country.

In an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Garland defended the intent of the memo that had called for the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Offices around the country to convene meetings with local officials to discuss strategies aimed at addressing the increase in threats.

"All it asks is for federal law enforcement to consult with, meet with local law enforcement to assess the circumstances, strategize about what may or may not be necessary, provide federal assistance if it is necessary," Garland said.

Republicans, though, sought to characterize Garland's directive as an order for FBI agents to investigate and pursue parents voicing concerns at school board meetings -- which in recent months have been venues of intense debate over issues like policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and the teaching of race issues in American history.