Flake: I’m concerned by Republican attacks on law enforcement officials

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake said he is concerned about the attacks that some members of the Republican Party are making toward the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to The Huffington Post, some Republicans have attacked the bureau in an effort to undermine a special counsel investigation into President Donald Trump about any possible collision with Russian officials.

The latest examples of this effort dealt with a text message from an FBI official joking about a “secret society” and tech issue that resulted in the deletion of several text messages between two FBI employees.

Some Republicans have used those events to peddle conspiracy theories and said they prove “shocking,” “sickening,” “jaw-dropping” law enforcement conduct that was “worse than Watergate,” according to the publication.

But Flake is not amused by these claims, saying they hurt the party’s cause rather than help it.

“Unhelpful and unhealthy,” Flake told the publication about the attacks on law enforcement officials.

“Obviously, not everyone who works for the FBI is always above board. But when you throw some blanket conspiracy over the organization, you make it more difficult to actually focus on causes where there might be an issue.”

Flake, who has butted heads with the president in the past, said the attacks are being “perpetrated by politicians who are ‘ingratiating [themselves] to the president.'”

“I think all of us are ― well, not all of us, but most of us ― are very troubled,” he added.

Related

Maricopa County official says recorder’s mail ballot claims reflect ‘pattern’ of failing to tell truthFiesta Bowl Parade unveils Phoenix Children’s as title partner for 2027Camelot Homes to build 19-home gated enclave at Peoria’s Saddleback developmentMaricopa residents urged to boil tap water after preliminary testing indicates E. coliWhat’s on your ballot: Prop 320 would force certain schools to spend more in classroomsWhat’s beneath your feet? A crash course in carpet