BREAKING: Republican Senator Tom Cotton Says He Will Block Joe Biden’s SCOTUS Nominees Over Democrat’s Refusal To Defend Marshals During Antifa Riots

Credit: CQ Roll Call

It was reported that Sen. Tom Cotton is warning the White House he will hold up President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees as long as the Justice Department continues refusing to defend U.S. Marshals caught up in lawsuits stemming from riots that targeted a federal courthouse in Portland for months on end in 2020.

“These courageous officers were attacked by left-wing street militants with weapons such as mortar fire, ball bearings, and blinding lasers,” Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, noted in a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, according to Fox News, which obtained a copy.

“A refusal to represent these Deputy Marshals would violate the Department’s long-standing practice – not to mention its moral duty – to defend law enforcement officers when they’re sued for actions in the line of duty,” Cotton continued.

Fox News adds:

The Portland federal courthouse was subject to months of attacks by activists protesting police brutality in 2020. It was one of the hottest flashpoints in the debate over law and order ahead of the presidential election. 

In the wake of those attacks, the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund told Fox News it is representing four deputy U.S. Marshals who were sued by demonstrators, claiming one officer was outright denied legal defense by the DOJ.

“After careful review and consideration of the information currently available, I have determined that representation would not be in the interest of the United States. Accordingly, the request for representation is denied,” said the rejection.

Cotton gave the Justice Department a deadline of 3 p.m. on Tuesday to respond to his inquiry with a “satisfactory answer.” Otherwise, he said, “I will be compelled to object to Department nominees both in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor.”

“The Department is reviewing Senator Cotton’s letter and will respond promptly,” a Justice Department spokesperson told Fox News. “The department currently represents or has paid for representation of over 70 federal employees who have been sued in connection with the events in Portland.