Garland Says Justice Department Won’t Be Intimidated by ‘Escalation of Attacks’

Garland maintained that the department has an “ironclad” commitment to fairness and impartiality.

Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks to the U.S. Attorneys who have gathered for their annual conference at the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington on Sept. 12, 2024. Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised his employees during a Sept. 12 press conference while pushing back on attacks they encountered, saying the Department of Justice (DOJ) wouldn’t be intimidated.

“Over the past three and a half years, there has been [an] escalation of attacks on the Justice Department’s career lawyers, agents, and other personnel that go far beyond scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate and necessary oversight of our work,” Garland said.