Christine Blasey Ford has requested that the FBI investigate the allegation that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her 35 years ago before she testifies to a Senate Judiciary Committee. In a letter sent to the panel Tuesday, Ford’s lawyers said she has become the target of “vicious threats and harassment” since coming forward with the allegation, and expressed concern that some Senators on the panel seem to have “made up their minds” about her. The lawyers requested a full investigation by law enforcement officials to ensure a non-partisan approach to any future hearings.
Here is the full letter Ford’s lawyers sent to committee chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley:
Dear Senator Grassley:
Thank you for reaching out yesterday afternoon. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford looks forward to working with you and the Committee.
As you know, earlier this summer, Dr. Ford sought to tell her story, in confidence, so that lawmakers would have a fuller understanding of Brett Kavanaugh’s character and history. Only after the details of her experience were leaked did Dr. Ford make the reluctant decision to come forward publicly.
In the 36 hours since her name became public, Dr. Ford has received a stunning amount of support from her community and from fellow citizens across our country. At the same time, however, her worst fears have materialized. She has been the target of vicious harassment and even death threats. As a result of these kind of threats, her family was forced to relocate out of their home. Her email has been hacked, and she has been impersonated online.
While Dr. Ford’s life was being turned upside down, you and your staff scheduled a public hearing for her to testify at the same table as Judge Kavanaugh in front of two dozen U.S. Senators on national television to relive this traumatic and harrowing incident. The hearing was scheduled for six short days from today and would include interrogation by Senators who appear to have made up their minds that she is “mistaken” and “mixed up.” While no sexual assault survivor should be subjected to such an ordeal, Dr. Ford wants to cooperate with the Committee and with law enforcement officials.
As the Judiciary Committee has recognized and done before, an FBI investigation of the incident should be the first step in addressing her allegations. A full investigation by law enforcement officials will ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this matter are assessed in a non-partisan manner, and that the Committee is fully informed before conducting any hearing or making any decisions.
We would welcome the opportunity to talk with you and Ranking Member Feinstein to discuss reasonable steps as to how Dr. Ford can cooperate while also taking care of her own health and security.
Sincerely,
Debra S. Katz
Lisa J. Banks
Attorneys for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford
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Write to Alana Abramson at Alana.Abramson@time.com