Don Berthiaume, the Trump nominee for inspector general at the Department of Justice, refused to outright say that the January 6 insurrection was an 'attack'. Berthiaume was testifying before the Senate homeland security and governmental affairs committee on Wednesday as part of his confirmation process.
During the hearing, Senator Richard Blumenthal asked Berthiaume if he considered the events of January 6, 2021, an attack on the Capitol. Berthiaume responded that he had not reviewed the details of the case and would not characterize it without more information. He stated, 'I don't have enough information to characterize it as an attack.'
The nominee's reluctance to use the term 'attack' drew criticism from Democrats on the committee. Senator Gary Peters, the committee chairman, expressed concern that Berthiaume's refusal could signal a lack of independence in overseeing the Justice Department's handling of the January 6 cases.
Berthiaume, a former federal prosecutor and current inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security, was nominated by President Trump in December 2020. The inspector general position at the Justice Department is responsible for auditing and investigating the department's activities.
If confirmed, Berthiaume would oversee investigations into potential misconduct within the Justice Department, including its handling of the January 6 prosecutions. His comments have raised questions about whether he would be willing to hold the department accountable for its actions related to the Capitol riot.
The January 6 attack resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, and led to the impeachment of President Trump for incitement of insurrection. Over 700 individuals have been charged in connection with the riot.
