Rep. Eric Swalwell mocked Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday after she revealed her office received “pretty ugly” threats about her vote on Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
He walked backed his insult not long after posting the message. He apologized but said he was “pissed” about how Christine Blasey Ford is being treated.
Sexual assault victims deserve respect. And senators shouldn’t be threatened by the public. I said something stupid and minimized ugly behavior. That tweet is deleted and I’m sorry for that.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 20, 2018
Yes. No one should make threats. This is a democracy: Be loud and be heard. We don’t use violence. I didn’t mean to suggest that. But I’m pissed how this victim’s safety has been ignored and a rush to confirm has been prioritized. Why not offer the witness security? https://t.co/xzds16EuRx
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 20, 2018
Mr. Swalwell dismissed Ms. Collins’s concerns on Twitter arguing it was nothing compared to threats sent to Judge Kavanaugh’s accuser Christine Blasey Ford.
“Boo hoo hoo. You’re a senator who police will protect. A sexual assault victim can’t sleep in her home tonight because of threats,” Mr. Swalwell wrote in a now deleted tweet. “Where are you sleeping? She’s on her own while you and your Senate GOP colleagues try to rush her through a hearing.”
“My office has received some pretty ugly voicemails, threats, terrible things said to my staff,” Ms. Collins said during an interview with WVOM.
Ms. Collins, a key vote on the nomination decision, has voiced her concern about Ms. Ford’s allegations.
I hope that Dr. Ford will reconsider and testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. It is my understanding that the Committee has offered to hold either a public or a private session, whichever would make her more comfortable.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) September 19, 2018
In the same interview with WVOM, Sen. Collins said Ms. Ford should be afforded “any protection that she may ask for for herself and for her family.”
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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