Debbie Wasserman Schultz: Guilty of Obstruction of Justice?

image
Published: 26 May, 2017
1 min read

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAHGsyt2kZA&t=2m43s

Debbie Wasserman Schultz was caught on tape earlier this week threatening the D.C. Capitol Police chief with "consequences" if his department did not return equipment that was part of an ongoing investigation into Pakistani staffer, Imran Awan.

“My understanding is the the Capitol Police is not able to confiscate Members’ equipment when the Member is not under investigation,” said the former DNC chair in the annual police budget hearing.

“We can’t return the equipment,” replied Police Chief Matthew R. Verderosa.

“I think you’re violating the rules when you conduct your business that way and you should expect that there will be consequences,” said Wasserman Schultz.

Police Chief Verderosa explained to the Florida congresswoman that the equipment was important to the investigation into Imran Awan, who is accused of stealing data from members of Congress and taking it offsite. Blackmail may also be involved.

The Daily Caller was the first to report the video:

"The investigation is examining members’ data leaving the network and how Awan managed to get Members to place three relatives and a friend into largely no-show positions on their payrolls, billing $4 million since 2010."

The video has largely gone unreported in the national and mainstream press, something that didn't escape Tim Canova. Canova is a former candidate for U.S. Congress and founder of the group, Progress for All.

Is Wasserman Schultz guilty of obstruction of justice? Should she recuse herself from the committee that controls the Capitol Police's budget? What do you think?

IVP Donate

Photo Source: AP

You Might Also Like

“Cartoon illustration of Americans facing the U.S. Capitol as light pierces through red and blue partisan cracks, representing independent voters and hope for political reform.”
New Poll: Voters Want New Leadership – and They’re Turning to Independents
A new poll from the Independent Center highlights a clear message from the public: Americans are fed up with the current political leadership, and they’re ready for change....
12 Nov, 2025
-
2 min read
Massachusetts voters.
Ranked Choice Voting Momentum Surges in Massachusetts as Cities Push for Local Control
Ranked choice voting (RCV) continues to see a surge in momentum across the U.S. However, the state that has seen the largest reform growth in the last 5 years -- Massachusetts -- has received little attention. This is because the 10 cities that have approved RCV have not been able to implement it due to state law....
14 Nov, 2025
-
5 min read
Caution tape with US Capitol building in the background.
Did the Republicans or Democrats Start the Gerrymandering Fight?
The 2026 midterm election cycle is quickly approaching. However, there is a lingering question mark over what congressional maps will look like when voters start to cast their ballots, especially as Republicans and Democrats fight to obtain any electoral advantage possible. ...
11 Nov, 2025
-
8 min read