Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, questioned Attorney General William Barr about recent protests against racial injustice, one of which resulted in a fire at Saint John’s Church in Washington, D.C. Barr said the church would not have been saved if local and federal law enforcement had not intervened at his direction.

Pressed repeatedly as to whether protests that result in violence, fires, the destruction of businesses, or harm to officers and civilians can be considered peaceful, Barr said, “no.” When Jordan brought up the movement to “defund the police,” Barr said he disagreed with this policy idea, saying, “if anything, I’m more concerned that the police be adequately funded.” He added that the idea of defunding the police was “extremely dangerous.”

Jordan questioned Barr during a committee hearing examining whether the attorney general inappropriately politicized the Justice Department. Democrats launched the investigation earlier this year over Barr’s handling of the case against Stone, whose 40-month prison sentence was commuted by the president this month. Democrats have since expanded their probe to several subsequent episodes in which they believe Barr is working for Trump’s own benefit.

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