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Lawmakers press Bondi over FBI memo about Catholics; attorney general pledges civil‑rights enforcement
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Summary
Members raised a leaked FBI memo that described Catholic parishes as vectors for extremism; Attorney General Pam Bondi said the conduct was wrong, pledged civil‑rights enforcement and noted the department’s Civil Rights Division is working on anti‑religious‑bias protections.
Representative Moore and other members asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about a leaked FBI field memo that suggested Catholic communities could be sources of extremism, and they pressed the department on how it will repair and prevent religious‑bias policing.
Bondi called the memo “horrible” and said the department is “committed to working with you” to address anti‑Catholic bias and broader religious‑bias concerns. She said the Civil Rights Division, led by Chief Counsel Harmit Dhillon, is engaged on such matters and that the department protects people of all religions.
A separate line of questioning sought a commitment from the attorney general that the department will not rely on particular third‑party lists as the sole basis for identifying hate groups; Bondi agreed to work with members on those issues. Members also tied the conversation to other alleged examples of FBI overreach that occurred under prior administrations, including surveillance of peaceful protesters and school‑board meeting attendees, and described the current administration’s efforts as an end to “weaponization.”
Bondi emphasized the department’s willingness to cooperate with Congress and said additional resources can be provided to the Civil Rights Division to pursue cases involving religious discrimination and violent incidents motivated by religion. She highlighted recent antisemitic and anti‑Muslim attacks as matters the division is addressing alongside community partners.
Ending: Members praised the civil‑rights focus and requested additional Committee support for resources to investigate and pursue claims of religious discrimination; the hearing record reflects an ongoing oversight relationship and follow‑up discussions with the Civil Rights Division.
