WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) is facing scrutiny after receiving a letter from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia requesting clarification on remarks he made about bringing “actual weapons” to a political fight against Elon Musk.
In a February 12 interview with CNN, Garcia stated, “What the American public wants is for us to bring actual weapons to this bar fight. This is an actual fight for democracy.”
The comments have drawn criticism, with federal prosecutors now seeking clarification on whether the remarks constituted a threat.
Edward R. Martin Jr., the U.S. Attorney for D.C., sent a formal inquiry to Garcia on February 17, noting that the comments could be interpreted as a threat against Musk, who serves as an appointee in the Trump administration. The letter also referenced Garcia’s past remarks about Trump officials, including calling Musk a derogatory name.
Garcia responded on social media, claiming political retaliation. “So if you criticize Elon Musk, Trump’s DOJ will send you this letter. Members of Congress must have the right to forcefully oppose the Trump Administration. I will not be silenced,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Department of Justice has not commented further on the inquiry.