House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte threatened FBI Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok with contempt of Congress proceedings for refusing to answer a question by Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy.
Gowdy had asked Strzok how many people he had interviewed between July 31 and Aug. 8, 2016, as part of the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails. (RELATED: Democrats Hijack Fiery Strzok Hearing As Goodlatte Threatens To Hold Strzok In Contempt)
“Mr. Strzok, please be advised that you can either comply with the committee’s direction to answer the question or refuse to do so,” Goodlatte said, “The latter of which will place you in risk of contempt citation and potential criminal liability. Do you understand that? The question is directed to the witness.”
“Mr. Chairman, my counsel has reiterated that counsel for the FBI has directed that I may not answer that question,” Strzok said.
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Goodlatte then informed him that he will be recalled later today so that the committee could consider contempt proceedings.
“Mr. Strzok, in a moment we will continue with the hearing, but based on your refusal to answer the question, at the conclusion of the day we will be recessing the hearing and you will be subject to recall to allow the committee to consider proceeding with a contempt citation,” Goodlatte said.
