Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, alongside fellow Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, has called for a hearing on Ed Martin's nomination as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. In a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, they emphasized the need for heightened scrutiny due to Martin's past activities.

Despite the typical absence of hearings for U.S. Attorney nominees, the Senators believe Martin's record necessitates further examination. They highlighted his alleged attacks on law enforcement and connections to problematic individuals, stating: “Prior to his appointment as interim U.S. Attorney, Mr. Martin made stunning attacks on federal prosecutors and associated himself with individuals who present a threat to our nation. Mr. Martin was a leader of the so-called ‘Stop the Steal’ movement to illegally overturn the 2020 election. He was on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, and has repeatedly downplayed the violence perpetrated against law enforcement that day.”

Additionally, concerns were raised about Martin’s ties to Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, described by the Senators as a "white supremacist and Nazi-sympathizer." They pointed to an event in September 2024 where Martin gave Hale-Cusanelli an award, calling him “an extraordinary man, an extraordinary leader.”

The letter further accused Martin of abusing his position as Interim U.S. Attorney, citing his refusal to recuse himself from cases related to January 6, the shutdown of prosecutions for these cases, and favorable actions towards former clients who were January 6 offenders.

Further allegations of misconduct include an attempt to improperly seize assets, threats to prosecute government employees, and intervention in external affairs with the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Concluding the letter, the Senators requested a hearing “to allow members to ask him questions, under oath, about these and other matters,” in order to scrutinize the nominee's actions and past record.