Politics

Eric Holder Ducks Congress’s Questions About Massive Terrorism Financing Trial

Congress Asks Attorney General Eric Holder For Evidence in Holy Land Foundation Trial

Attorney General Eric Holder

Members of the House Judiciary Committee on oversight on Thursday called on U.S. Attorney General to provide documents and evidence relating to the landmark Holy Land Foundation trial – the largest terrorism financing trial in U.S. history.

The committee made a nearly identical request more than a year ago, however, the documents were never made available by Holder or his department, lawmakers say.

Following court proceedings, the Holy Land Foundation was found guilty of providing millions of dollars in funding to Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations in 2008. Named as “unindicted co-conspirators” in the trial were the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Both have documented ties to the radical Muslim Brotherhood…which then have ties to the Obama administration, but I digress.

Lawmakers, like Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), are again asking to see the evidence presented in that trial, a request that Holder does not seem to be in a hurry to fulfill. In an impassioned speech, the congressman challenged Holder to uphold his oath to “justice.”

“When I hear an attorney general of the United States come before us and say, somewhat cavalierly, there is a political aspect to this office, it offends me beyond belief. Your job is justice, Mr. Attorney General, Gohmert told Holder.

He went on, “When we made a request a year ago – here – for the documents that your department has produced to people who were convicted of supporting terrorism. They are terrorists, and we wanted the documents you gave to the terrorists. We are a year later, and we still don’t have them.”

As he spoke, the cameras showed Holder looking away and down at a stack of papers, seemingly refusing to make eye contact with him.

Congress Asks Attorney General Eric Holder For Evidence in Holy Land Foundation Trial

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Ariz.) Grills Eric Holder on the Holy Land Foundation trial during a Judicial Committee hearing on June 7, 2012.

Gohmert added that it made ‘no sense“ that the United States Attorney General would be more ”considerate” to supporters of terrorism than to members of Congress.

“I am asking for the documents your department produced to the terrorist supporters convicted in the Holy Land Foundation trial. Can we get those documents?” he asked.

“Well, certainly you can have access to those things that are on the public record and that were used in the trial. I was also a judge I sat in this Washington, D.C. …” Holder began.

“So, is that a yes or a no that we will get those documents?” Gohmert said, cutting him off.

Holder again ignored the question, and never got back around to providing a firm answer stating whether he would produce the requested documents.

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) also pleaded with Holder to provide Congress with the documents from the Holy Land case. Once again, the attorney general would not budge or make a firm commitment.

“On April 27, 2011, members of this committee asked you to give us information surrounding the decision by a justice to forgo prosecution of the unindicted co-conspirators in the Holy Land Foundation case. This is the largest terrorism finance case, of course, in U.S. history. You’ve refused to comply with this request,” Franks said to Holder.

Congress Asks Attorney General Eric Holder For Evidence in Holy Land Foundation Trial

With federal agents in the background, Shukri Abu-Baker, CEO of the Holy Land Foundation in Richardson, Texas, conducts a satellite interview in Arabic with the Al Jazeera television network. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

“You’ve still not prosecuted despite there being what many consider to be a mountain of evidence against these jihadist groups, at least one of which now says it is working inside your agency to help advise on the purge of counter-terrorism training materials,” he continued, seemingly referring to CAIR and ISNA.

(Related: Want to Know Just How Close the Muslim Brotherhood is to the Obama Administration?)

Franks argued that evidence outlines the jihadist network within the U.S. and amounts to roughly 80 “bankers boxes” full of documents. Just like his colleague, Franks informed Holder that the defense lawyers in the Holy Land Foundation trial were given access to the evidence, therefore Congress should be given the same courtesy.

“Members of this committee and other committees would like to review this evidence, whether it has to be on a classified basis or not,” Franks said. He continued and asked that Holder give his word he would provide the documents to Congress.

“It’s hard for me to answer that question – ” Holder started.

“No it’s not. It’s not hard to answer. It’s will you or will you not,” Franks interrupted.

What was Holder’s ultimate response? He eventually replied, “I can certainly take your request and we can check to see what the nature of the evidence is and make a determination about whether it’s appropriate for that material to be reviewed. I just don’t know.”

It was later reiterated that it was seemingly appropriate for defense lawyers for convicted terrorism supporters to view the “material” but somehow not for members of United States Congress.

Congress Asks Attorney General Eric Holder For Evidence in Holy Land Foundation Trial

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

But Franks didn’t stop there. He also formally requested the names of the outside groups that Holder admitted were working with his department and the FBI to remove certain information from counter-terrorism training material. While Franks called it “purging,” Holder argued it was just the process of removing inaccurate information.

“It’s been reported that multiple agencies including the FBI are now purging counter-terrorism material of information outside groups might fight offensive, including discussion of things as fundamental as that quote, ‘al Qaeda is a group that endorses violent ideology that should be examined,’unquote,” he said to Holder. “This strikes many as the sacrificing of vital national security… on the alter of political correctness.”

Holder again confirmed later in the conversation that “outsiders” were coordinating with the federal government in the process of redrafting counter-terrorism training materials, but that the measure was only to remove information was was determined to be “simply not true,” and not motivated by political correctness.

Franks then requested that Holder reveal who the outside groups were – Holder named none of them. This is the answer he got:

“This is something that is being run primarily out of the FBI. I mean, to the extent that there are outsiders who are involved that we are trying to interact with – we could perhaps try to get you those names,” said Holder.

A few moments later, Franks told Holder point-blank that there was a specific jihadist group that claimed they were helping with the purging process – he declined to name that group.

“I don‘t think that’s accurate, but I will relay that request to the FBI, Holder replied.

The Dallas Morning News provides more background on the Holy Land Foundation trial:

Comments (81)

1 2
  • TheWatchmanSeeth
    Posted on June 8, 2012 at 12:34am

    Man oh‘ man oh’ man, that Eric Holder,, you got to give to him, he is one tap-dancing-son-of-gun. Should he ever lose his license to practice law, Dingy Reid may be able to hook him up with a gig in Vegas through one of his union comrads.

    Report Post » TheWatchmanSeeth  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 12:45am

      And… this is the Face of current Justice in America!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • TeaPartyForRomney
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 3:52am

      If he is so dirty and troublesome to Obama, he should just blame all the leaks on him and kick him out. Supposedly some of the defense leaks are coming from the DOJ. ( http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2012/june/congress_wh_leak.html )

      Ouch, can this department be anymore corrupt.

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 4:50am

      TEAPARTYFORROMNEY, I would think that Holder knows too much about 0bama and where the bodies are hidden. 0bama will protect Holder with his life if necessary because if scorned he knows that Holder has a firm grasp on his cajones.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • old white guy
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 6:06am

      holder thinks he is above the law as does obama. it is time to show him that he is not above the law. where is the courage to have this man charged and jailed????

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 7:53am

      A gutless congress will keep doing this waltz with him and then just die away. We need some leadership in congress that’s not scared of his shadow.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 11:17am

      Holder will be held accountable for his actions in 2013. He may find himself ina federal prison under the NDAA provision his President signed.

      Report Post »  
    • Banter
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 12:37pm

      @JohnJamison

      I don’t want him put away under the NDAA, that just validates it as a legitimate reason to round up anyone the regime doesn’t like. This abomination to the Constitution needs to be round-filed asap.

      I want him in prison for the direct murder of Agent Brian Terry. Holder is as guilty of murdering Agent Terry as if he pulled the trigger himself. Holder is a murderer and a liar. I hope he rots in prison.

      Report Post » Banter  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 5:53pm

      It’s beginning to look like Epic Holdup could give lessons on lying to Sweet Old Barack. They tap dance, bob and weave and avoid any resemblance to honesty.

      OMG Nov 6, 2012

      Report Post »  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on June 8, 2012 at 12:07am

    Just send the ATF to pick this A-hole up.. He violated gun laws right and left. Let him make his defense in a Criminal Court (along with 2,000 counts). Hopefully that can be done on Jan. 23rd. But we need a strong majority to complete the confirmation process and or to declare a 30 second recess so the new President can make a recess appointment.

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • Fubared
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 7:56am

      Wait until 1-21-13 and round the whole lot up.

      Report Post »  
  • tankyjo
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 11:36pm

    Perhaps the questions need to be asked in Holderese?????????????

    Report Post » tankyjo  
  • ThoreauHD
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 11:08pm

    He needs to be on trial for High Treason and Crimes against Humanity, not getting circle jerked in Congress.

    Report Post » ThoreauHD  
    • Gizzy
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 2:14am

      No trial needed! The SOB just proved his allegiance. It‘s time to he’s removed from his perch!

      Report Post »  
  • mgiuseff
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:22pm

    And you wonder why people don’t trust their own government. They are corrupt. Holder disappoints me even more than Obama. This country will be better off when they’re both gone.

    Report Post »  
  • Rayford
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:44pm

    Congress needs to start proceedings against Mr Holder for obstruction of justice, if not more serious crimes. He is just doing a circle jerk on this and the fast and furious cases. I am sure there are others.

    I thought it was illegal to obfuscate evidence. Or maybe it is only if a regular citizen does it.

    Report Post »  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:04pm

      You can probably add purjury to those charges.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:15pm

      Man..I have never thought Holder makes a move without Obama..Do you really think Obama came in with this plan? Of course..they needed someone willing and trained in Communism..but guys..these guys are hand picked and owned..Money talks..This is the money…from our humble beginnings.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USGSOViaulc&feature=related
      And with the 700 bn in TARP to Sharia Compliant Banks who fund organizations funding terrorism..it should be as plain as the nose on your face that these terrorists are just paid mercenaries..
      And we have been and are being controlled..
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28tE0fKpISM

      Report Post »  
    • CrawfishFestival2
      Posted on June 9, 2012 at 1:34am

      Holder’s claims to “rescind” letters/writings from the DOJ – that was FALSE and MISLEADING Information – intended to MISLEAD Congress -
      should not be of any consequence – bc he “rescinded” those letters.

      His other BOGUS claim – that IF did not give false and misleading information to Congress – should have no consequence – because he was not sworn in – and did not testify under Oath. – (for the congressional hearing).

      His OATH of Office mandates truthfulness.

      Holder is a DOMESTIC ENEMY of The United States of America.

      What he did – in his mishandling of The Christmas Day bomber –
      (acting more as a defense attorney than the US AG whose jobs mandates that he is to be in service to our country to prosecute these matters w an ENEMY COMBATANT making use of WMD – in his ACT of WAR against The USA) -
      and the “manner” in which he deceived members of Congress – (used the media to LIE to the American people to further conceal what he was doing – Senators demanded his authority in writing, Holder (flsely) portrays he is only following the law – gives a case precedent – is NOT case precedent at all but ruling
      overturned by US Supreme Court from legal brief written by Holder himself = blueprint to his handling of Christmas Day bomber – from SEVEN briefs he intentionally withheld from his confrimation hearings in his representation of TERRORISTS/GITMO prisoners) -

      should have had him prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law – as a TRAITOR to our country!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:42pm

    I doubt the terrorists are taking politically correct stuff out of their own training manuals. We owe them nothing but to give them enough incentive one way or the others to keep their azz out of our country destroying our country and trying to influence our way of life. They are trying to enact poltical correctness to give them gains and victories. Who does Holder think he is to compromise our security as he has. He is an idiot, or is he just who Obama is? They are destroying this country right in fron of the face of Congress and the American people. They, if found guilty of treason should be hanged in public. We have men dying in the Mid East and people dying to protect this country and those sorry pieces of garbage are showing their allegience to jihadists and leaving Congress out of the loop? This sounds unbelievable to me. There must be something I am missing here.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • Magyar
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:35pm

    Treasonous!

    Report Post »  
    • marhee9
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:42pm

      Eric Holder and his department of injustice. This is the same guy that is suing states for enforcing border control, voting id laws, and trying to preserve the constitution. The guy needs to go, along with his boss. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ovzRxR4PI0

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:49pm

      I agree. And they will all hide behind the Race Card and the Discrimination Card which is precisely why Obama was chosen by the Far Lefties . Their Best Lefty Lap Dog , the New York Times, in addition to ignoring the problems in this case / inviting all of the comments by their equally brainwashed Left readers , also ran an article today about how the Supreme Court has lost public support ( guess what type of comments that article attracted ?! ). Between the Obama administration and the Leaky New York Times which gets all of their “pearls” of secret but flattering information , we are in danger. What a team : out to destroy American conservative thought and America all at the same time ! The International Left and their local franchise, the Obama Administration , has an agenda and that does NOT include protecting America or Americans.

      Report Post »  
    • Vickie Dhaene
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 9:53am

      We need to all get together and make a citizens arrest for Treason.
      Demand his impeachment, Imprisonment and execution !!!

      Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:35pm

    Need Moles in Every Federal Department to find out what these DemonCrats are Up To

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:31pm

    Holder needs to be inspected from the time of his birth until now and if it is found the piece of puzzle that is motivating his actions, then act on this and get his sorry azz out away from where he can do damage and monitor him until he is put in prison or whever it is people like this go after putting our country in jeopard with his overriding the laws that help secure the vote in this country, or giving criminals guns to use against civilians and even an American Border patrol agent. He needs to be arrested and if Obama intereferes, arrest him too.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • Carefreeflyer
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:29pm

    U.S. Attorney General Holder is a liar. He should be in prison.

    Report Post » Carefreeflyer  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:28pm

    Holder is using this position to destroy Justice in America and put our troops in danger. Holder and Obama need to be away from our White House and information that they share to anyone who seems to want it except for Congress where he is interefering with Justice. He needs to be taken out of that office and put an objective observer in there until they can get what they need. He is not above the law. It is Obama’s excuse for a Justice Department to have someone in there to stall until they can finish what they have started. Arrest both of them Now.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:19pm

    I have a prediction….

    Eric Holder knows a lot about all these shenanigans going on in the DOJ, Homeland Security and the White House.

    He’s getting so much pressure from all sides to either keep quiet and keep stalling and others to give up the information that one day, hopefully soon, he’s going to EXPLODE in a massive confession in Congress or on a news program and “spill the beans”.

    Congress needs to question him every week or twice a week until he cracks. I hope it’s before Nov.

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Cat Ballou
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:55pm

      Considering how “tepid” the questioning is & the lack of holding him accountable, would lead one to believe he probably has the goods on anyone & everyone that has the audacity to question his authority. I would imagine he laughs all the way back to his office.

      Report Post »  
  • ericsez
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:03pm

    holder is an obnoxious, racist, affirmative action appointee with an axe to grind. today is just an example of his contempt of what he perceives to be white oppression. he should have never been confirmed and should be summarily discharged from the office. the republicans put on this pseudo drama and when all is said and done nothing happens. they are fearful of everything and the leadership, i use the term loosely, refuses to act. eric, the lessor, should receive a subpoena `NOW. should he not comply forced out. isn’t that apparent?

    Report Post »  
  • Ronald Wilson
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:03pm

    “The criminal offense of ”Contempt of Congress” sets the penalty at not less than one month nor more than twelve months in jail and a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000.”

    “the President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

    “whoever, owing allegiance to the United States and having knowledge of the commission of any treason against them, conceals and does not, as soon as may be, disclose and make known the same to the President, or to some judge of the United States, or to the governor, or to some judge or justice of a particular state, is guilty of Misprision of Treason and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than seven years; or both.”

    Report Post » Ronald Wilson  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:02pm

    The Administration of the Government… is Officially… dysfunctional… and in need of a Cancer Removal Operation!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • vicsemprini
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:59pm

    God, please save us from the Obama administration.

    Report Post » vicsemprini  
  • GeorgieJo
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:58pm

    Whats the difference between a trampoline and a lawyer?
    You take off your shoes to jump on the trampoline.

    Holder is Forrest Gump’s third cousin.
    OMG 2012

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:54pm

    Holder is in the hot seat big time and I hope he cracks completely soon; what I wonder as well, aside from his being a radical, could he also have ties with the Muslim Brotherhood? Say through family or such?

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Fubared
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:09pm

      He scoffed at much of the questioning and had Waters, Jackson Lee, and even old toad Conyers back him up and delay on parlimentary bs hold ups. The hearing was a farce. A few decent members had 5 min each to hear themselves talk and ask a few questions, then on to kudos and reach arounds from the lefties. At this pace, fast and furious will have resolution in 2050.

      Report Post »  
  • Richalu
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:54pm

    Does anyone else feel that the arrogance shown by this administration points toward a knowledge that they don’t have to worry about the upcoming elections? That they know something will happen that will cause a … postponement … of those elections?

    Report Post » Richalu  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:47pm

    Holder again today showed no respect for congress and made fools of them. They should all be run out of office for being the fools they are. This is the most corrupt DOJ in out history. We are close to be as corrupt as 3rd world country, what a shame congress has let itself become so irrelevant.

    Report Post »  
    • TexasIndependant
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:08pm

      you can be arrested for refusing to answer a congressional inquiry. I must ask does not one of these congressmen have the cahona’s to call for his arrest right there in the hearing? Ask him the point blank question again and inform him refusal will result in arrest and prosecution… cowards in congress. Buncha dang cowards!

      Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:43pm

    It’s very simple….

    The Holy Land Foundation….

    Their HIS people….

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:24pm

      Edit;

      They’re his people.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • barber2
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 7:55am

      The International Left loves the Palestinian cause. The Obama Democrats are just members of their anti-Isreal/ anti-America choir. From the Occupies to the flotilla…the International Lefty Choir ..all singing the same song…and it is NOT God Bless America !

      Report Post »  
  • MrObvious
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:38pm

    Holder is Os lapdog.
    O likes nation of Islam.
    CAIR likes nation of Islam.
    He will not cooperate with congressional investigators, without a court order.
    And, even then, he will challenge the order, and/or find other ways to stall.
    In 2013 the new AG needs to investigate the old one, and the whole prior chom gang.

    Report Post »  
  • 338lapua
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:33pm

    Wow…….this is breathtaking.
    How did we sink so low in our expectations for an attorney general.

    Report Post »  
  • Mikev5
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 8:31pm

    Wasn’t it Holder that said all Americans are cowards?

    Yo Holder why don’t you look in the mirror the coward is in there don’t get shocked when reality sinks in you jerk.

    I remember when he said that I was very pissed off and wanted to beat his @ss.

    Report Post » Mikev5  
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