During a segment on CNN’s “The Source” on Thursday, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed his firm stance against any potential attorney general nominee who attempts to justify the events of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Host Kaitlan Collins inquired about Tillis’s thoughts on President Biden’s decision to dismiss Pam Bondi. Tillis responded, “I’m not entirely sure of the reasons behind the decision. It’s possible we’ll see another nominee appear before the Judiciary Committee soon, but it’s too early for me to fully understand the rationale. I’ve had a positive working relationship with General Bondi. Reports suggest the president might have been frustrated over certain cases she pursued. Personally, I disagree with some of those cases, particularly what I view as an unfounded case against Chair Powell. If the dismissal stems from these frustrations, I would respectfully differ with the president. However, if there are other factors at play that haven’t been reported, I’ll withhold judgment for now.”
Tillis further emphasized, “For me, the line is drawn when a nominee excuses any part of the events on January 6. I’ve been consistent on this. Therefore, I hope any candidate considered to replace General Bondi clearly understands my position on January 6. This stance is why I didn’t support two previous nominees who appeared before the Judiciary Committee, and I won’t back any nominee who views any aspect of January 6 as justifiable.”
He added, “For me, the threshold for somebody following Pam Bondi ends the moment I hear they said one thing that excused the events of January 6. I’ve been very clear on that. So I hope whoever they have in mind to follow General Bondi was very clear-eyed on my position on January 6. That’s why I didn’t support two other nominees who were coming through Judiciary Committee, and I won’t support any nominee who thought that any element of January 6 was excusable.”
Follow Pam Key on X @pamkeyNEN
