“Ignore the question.” These words from California Rep. Darrell Issa in response to FBI Director Christopher Wray’s six-hour testimony during the House Judiciary Committee’s FBI oversight hearing on July 12. It captures the Republican reaction.

As highlighted in remarks by Chairman Jim Jordan, Congressman opening statementThe hearing covered a wide range of issues, including:

• The FBI’s role in censoring Americans’ free speech on social media in violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
• FBI Election Interference Due to Suppression of Hunter Laptop Case Ahead of 2020 Election (see related article at the following site) Clancy: Biden ‘Campaign Will Be Excited’ – Sordid Story of CIA 2020 Election Interference | Daily Caller );
• The Department of Justice and the FBI targeted parents at school board meetings, resulting in the parents being tagged as threats by the FBI.
• FBI Richmond Office Issues Investigative Memorandum Targeting Pro-Life Catholics.
• The FBI Philadelphia office determined that there was no case against him by local authorities, and despite Mr. Hooke’s attorney advising federal officials to voluntarily appear for Mr. Hook’s arrest, 6:45 a.m. 20 armed agents were dispatched to arrest pro-life activist Mark Hawke at his home. (The jury ultimately acquitted Hooke of the apparently frivolous federal charges with a unanimous verdict).
• FBI’s FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) Abuse — Reported In 2022 FISA Court Decisions — Over 275,000 cases of FBI illegal use of FISA Section 702 data (available for investigative purposes only) non-US who outside the United States) Investigate United States citizens for violations of law and the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution.
• The FBI’s January 6th investigation.and
• The FBI’s investigation of Mr. and Mrs. Biden.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” Lay’s response to a pointed question from a committee member was repeated. “I can’t talk about that.” “I can’t talk about specifics.” You can’t.” “I haven’t gone into the details.”

The hearing was like a boxing match, with Mr. Ray rocking and the committee asking questions.

Mr. Ray was particularly evasive about the FBI’s abuse of FISA 702, appeared unaware or unwilling to discuss the details of the FISA court ruling, and even refused to confirm the number of illegal uses of the FISA database.

And Republicans are frustrated by what they see as Mr. Wray’s sidestepping of issues important to the country, particularly First and Fourth Amendment rights, and an investigation into allegations of corruption involving President Biden and his son. was soliciting

Among all the obfuscations, Ray made some emphatic statements. In response to a question from Florida Congressman Matt Gates whether the FBI was protecting the Bidens, Mr. Wray insisted, “Absolutely not.”

Later in the hearing, when chairman Jordan quizzed him about the Richmond office’s memorandum to Catholics, Wray said he was “appalled and ordered it to be withdrawn” when he learned of the memorandum. And he added, “That’s not the kind of product I’m defending or making excuses for.” I thought that was terrifying. ”

Regarding the FBI’s role in investigating false allegations that Russia colluded with the Trump campaign, Mr Wray testified for his honor, saying, “The conduct described in the Durham report is completely unacceptable and we have taken the views of the FBI into consideration.” I don’t think it’s representative,” he said. Never wake up again. ”

Ray, a Republican and member of the Federalist Society, also squarely contested claims of targeting conservatives, stating, “The idea that I’m biased against conservatives is my own. Considering my personal background, it seems a bit insane.”

Ray himself may not intend to target conservatives, but the FBI with its rampant FISA abuses illegally targeting Americans, field offices issuing investigative protocols against Catholics, and the needless 20 It is clear that the situation is getting serious at another field office where people are sent. – Armed agents arrested a pro-life activist at his home in front of a young child.

At this point, the FBI’s credibility would be greatly undermined. Only 37% of recent registered voters NBC News poll Those who said they had a positive view of the FBI dropped from 52% in 2018. Now is the time to make major changes to the FBI’s operations at all levels and in field offices.

Virginia Rep. Ben Klein promised that “we will be held accountable.” Our constitutional rights depend on it.

Michael Clancy is a lawyer, a member of the Federalist Society, and a prominent commentator on constitutional and political issues. Follow him on Twitter @MikeClancyVA.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of The Daily Caller.