Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, scolded a Department of Justice official on Tuesday for the September 2022 arrest of pro-life activist Mark Houck, who was later acquitted.
Roy questioned Kristen Clarke, the DOJ's assistant attorney general for civil rights, about the topic during a House Committee on the Judiciary hearing on rising harassment and hate crimes.
"Have you apologized to him [Houck] on behalf of the Department of Justice for that grave violation of his civil rights?" asked Roy, referencing the controversial Federal Bureau of Investigation raid on Houck's home.
During the raid, Houck was arrested in front of his frightened wife and children on charges that he harassed Bruce Love, an abortion clinic escort, outside of a Planned Parenthood location in Philadelphia.
Houck was later found not guilty of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances and told Steve Bannon's "War Room" podcast that he was planning to sue the FBI and other authorities.
Clarke responded to Roy by saying: "We follow the facts and apply the law. That is our job."
"So, the answer to that is no," Roy said.
Since the incident, Houck has launched a campaign to primary Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., in the state's 1st District.
Daily Caller noted that the Biden administration has taken an aggressive stance against pro-lifers, charging 11 activists with FACE violations in 2021, seven of whom face up to 11 years in prison and $350,000 in fines.
Luca Cacciatore ✉
Luca Cacciatore, a Newsmax general assignment writer, is based in Arlington, Virginia, reporting on news and politics.
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