WATCH: McCarthy Abruptly Cuts Off Presser After Being Asked Whether Republicans Communicated With Capitol Rioters
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) cut off a press conference on Capitol Hill Thursday after getting an uncomfortable question about whether any Republicans in the House colluded with the Capitol rioters.
Speaking to reporters outside the Capitol, the ranking House minority member — who has come under criticism from Democrats, Republicans, Capitol police officers, and many others for opposing the bipartisan commission on the storming of the Capitol — defended his stance, and accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) of wanting the proceedings to be political.
“The Justice Department, rightfully, does a much better job than we could ever do [investigating],” McCarthy said. He added, “We want to make sure … [this kind of attack] never happens again. That those who participated and caused it should be held accountable. And that we secure this Capitol and we don’t play politics with it. I just think a Pelosi commission is a lot of politics.”
The elephant in the room, however, is that there are questions about the actions of Republicans in Congress as it relates to the attack — with several even suggesting some GOP members directly coordinated with the rioters.
“Do you think it’s a conflict of interest for members to be voting on a commission that they might have to be potentially witnesses for, and provide information on?” A reporter asked McCarthy.
“No,” the minority leader replied. “Because who knows what they’re going to do on the commission? I don’t think so.”
The next questioner turned up the heat.
“Are you absolutely certain none of your members were in any communication with any of the people who stormed Capitol Hill?” The reporter asked.
McCarthy didn’t even wait for the end of the question to softly say “I don’t believe that they are.
“But thank you for the question. Everybody have a nice day,” the ranking GOP House member — before abruptly halting the news conference and walking away.
He returned briefly to take a question on mask protocol in the House chamber.
Watch above, via CNN.
