WASHINGTON–Congressman Bennie Thompson’s integrity was called into question by some Republicans questioning him in DC in preparation for a vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Thomposn, a Democrat who represents the Delta, has been a staunch defender of Mayorkas during the process.
Thompson also serves as Ranking Member on the House Homeland Security Committee and was Chair of the Jan. 6 Committee.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, pointed out when questioning Thompson, that he believes Mayorkas was in charge of the Secret Service when electronic evidence from Jan. 6, was deleted or otherwise lost. That evidence included texts and videos of pipe bombs found both at Democratic National Committee headquarters and Republican National Committee headquarters.
“I’m curious about why Sec. Mayorkas has not followed up on the deletion of all these Secret Service texts,” said Massie. “Does it bother you that they deleted them?”
“It bothers me that we did not have access to all the tapes,” responded Thompson. “But, it’s also in the purview of the OIG (Office of the Inspector General).”
Thompson has said in previous remarks he believes the possibility of impeachment is overkill, saying he believes Mayrkas has not committed a crime, which would be Constitutional grounds for impeachment.
Massie said Vice Pres. Harris was at DNC headquarters when one of the bombs was discovered, but the Secret Service took four minutes to get her to safety.
“A lot of what you’ve said here today I have not been privy to,” said Thompson.
Republicans say Mayorkas has refused to enforce immigration laws at the southern border, which is the key reason they believe he deserves impeachment. Thompson said last week that is not a good enough reason to impeach him.
