Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) kicked off the confirmation hearing for Senator Markwayne Mullin with a striking challenge, urging the nominee for Homeland Security secretary to explain why Paul was assaulted in 2017.
The hearing for Trump's DHS pick Mullin began on a tumultuous note, with Paul reprimanding Mullin for implying that he understood the rationale behind the violent assault.
Paul stated that Mullin's critique is indicative of a larger 'pattern' of confrontational conduct, presenting footage of previous altercations involving Mullin and questioning whether the American populace should place their trust in a man 'with anger issues' to set the proper example for ICE and Border Patrol agents.
Mullin replied to Paul by recognizing that he is 'very blunt' and 'could understand why [Paul's] neighbor did what he did,' but he stated that he does not support political violence.
The confirmation hearing is set to proceed all day on Wednesday, with senators from the Homeland Security committee anticipated to cast their votes on Mullin's nomination on Thursday.
