Merrick Garland labeled as 'Gestapo' after he claims GOP attacks on DOJ ‘are dangerous for our democracy’

WASHINGTON, DC: Attorney General Merrick Garland has issued a stark warning about the recent spate of attacks against the Justice Department from the GOP, calling them “unfounded” and “dangerous for our democracy.”

Garland vigorously defended his department, arguing that GOP attacks threaten both the safety of DOJ employees and democracy itself.

Merrick Garland denounces 'conspiracy theories'

Garland pointed out that while political disagreements are healthy for democracy, the use of "conspiracy theories, falsehoods, violence, and threats of violence to influence political outcomes is not."

“The short-term political benefits of those tactics will never make up for the long-term cost to our country,” he wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post.

He highlighted the severe implications of continued attacks, noting that they endanger the safety of DOJ employees and undermine democratic principles.

The attorney general provided recent examples of these threats such as a bomb threat at an FBI field office.

He stressed that the escalation of attacks goes beyond public scrutiny and legitimate oversight, describing them as baseless, personal, and dangerous. “We will not be intimidated by these attacks,” Garland declared.

"But it is absurd and dangerous that public servants, many of whom risk their lives every day, are being threatened for simply doing their jobs and adhering to the principles that have long guided the Justice Department’s work,” he wrote.

Merrick Garland addresses accusations that DOJ was involved in NY hush money trial

Garland specifically addressed accusations that the DOJ was involved in the New York hush money trial where a jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts.

He labeled the suggestion that the DOJ had any input in the case as a conspiracy theory, asserting that the federal agency had no involvement in the state-level case brought solely by the Manhattan District Attorney Office's Alvin Bragg.

“We do not investigate people because of their last name, their political affiliation, the size of their bank account, where they come from, or what they look like," Garland wrote further.

"We investigate and prosecute violations of federal law — nothing more, nothing less,” Garland stated.

He reiterated that their actions are guided by principles ensuring "equal protection of the law for all citizens," without which "democracy cannot survive." 

Internet reacts to Attorney General Merrick Garland's op-ed

Netizens' response to Garland’s op-ed has been intense and varied. Some accused him of stifling criticism of public officials while others suggested that his comments implied Americans shouldn’t criticize the government.

One user wrote, "Yes Mr Garland, we all know that criticizing a Democrat public official is 'dangerous for our democracy.' We all understand that one of the hallmarks of good government is that the peasants don't get to critique the ruling class."

"Biden's surrogate is claiming that we shouldn't be allowed to criticize the government," wrote one more.

 "Americans are allowed to be critical of any of our institutions, and none of those criticisms are 'dangerous to our democracy,'" expressed another. 

More inflammatory reactions included accusations that Garland was protecting President Biden with one commenter stating, "He should be indicted for the Biden coverup." One more wrote, "I don't believe him; AG Merrick Garland is full of hogwash."

Another harsh critique labeled Garland as "the biggest threat to democracy that has ever sat in the DOJ," and likened him to the Gestapo, accusing him of working for the regime rather than the people.

Others suggested Garland's focus should have been on prosecuting those involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. 

"If he would have prosecuted the Jan. 6 conspirators in Congress when it happened, he would not be dealing with this now. He should be more mad at himself than anyone else," use one user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.