Merrick Garland announced — in a delayed press conference — on Thursday that the Department of Justice instructed Florida authorities to unseal the search warrant obtained to raid former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat, along with a property receipt showing items seized by the FBI during their hours-long search of Trump's "Southern White House."
"Just now, the Justice Department has filed a motion in the Southern District of Florida to unseal a search warrant and property receipt relating to a court-approved search that the FBI conducted earlier this week," Garland explained.
Biden's attorney general also explained that he "personally approved" seeking the warrant that led to the raid on the former president's home, something Garland said his department does not take "lightly."
AG GARLAND:
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 11, 2022
"I personally approved the decision to seek a search warrant in this matter." pic.twitter.com/BAtUwzAdz5
The AG said the decision to move for the warrant and associated documents to be unsealed was made "in light of the former president's public confirmation of the search, the surrounding circumstances, and the substantial public interest in this matter."
Garland then made an attempt to defend his reputation and the credibility of the Department of Justice, saying "adherence to the rule of law is the bedrock principle" of his department, defined by the AG as "applying the law evenly without fear or favor." Garland claimed that on his watch "that is precisely what the DOJ is doing."
Seemingly feeling the heat and taking a rather defensive tone, Garland said he "will not stand by silently" when the Department of Justice or FBI's "integrity is attacked."
AG GARLAND: "The men and women at the FBI and the Justice Department are dedicated, patriotic, public servants. Every day they protect the American people from violent crime, terrorism and other threats to their safety, while safeguarding our civil rights." pic.twitter.com/ipc4r7EmTl
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 11, 2022
Following his brief statement, AG Garland refused to take questions from reporters assembled at the Department of Justice and, much like the president he serves, walked away as they shouted their queries.
Biden Attorney General Merrick Garland takes no questions after delivering a statement on the FBI raiding President Trump’s home. pic.twitter.com/WbVKge3dUf
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 11, 2022
Garland's announcement that the DOJ moved to unseal the warrant comes after a magistrate judge in Florida ordered the Justice Department to respond to such requests from government watchdog Judicial Watch and media outlets.