Hamadeh Calls on DOJ to Halt Political Manipulation of Phoenix Police Department

Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) has formally requested that FBI Director Kash Patel retract a Department of Justice report assessing the Phoenix Police Department. In his letter, Hamadeh derided the report as an instrument of political manipulation, alleging it stems from selective narratives promoted by the outgoing Biden Administration.

“The Biden DOJ’s ‘pattern or practice’ report on the Phoenix Police Department was a desperate witch hunt,” Hamadeh wrote. He argued that the document undermines effective policing, exposing residents and officers alike to unnecessary risks.

He emphasized the cooperation of local law enforcement, stating, “Our officers did everything right, voluntarily cooperating in good faith, opening their records, and participating in lengthy interviews.” According to Hamadeh, the report’s findings contain significant inaccuracies that mischaracterize the actions of the department during civil unrest following a rally for former President Trump. He claimed the Ninth Circuit Court affirmed the department’s actions as lawful, a fact he believes the Biden DOJ deliberately overlooked.

Additionally, Hamadeh criticized the implications of the DOJ’s report, asserting it fosters distrust and detracts from public safety initiatives at a critical time when officers are needed most in Arizona.

As noted by AZ Free News, during the Biden administration, there were attempts to impose a DOJ Consent Decree on the Phoenix police, aimed at initiating federal oversight. This followed a report claiming that the department engaged in unconstitutional practices, including excessive force and discrimination against minority populations. The DOJ also raised concerns regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals, including children and those experiencing homelessness.

Hamadeh has observed police operations firsthand, having participated in a recent Air Support Mission with the Phoenix Police Department. His office stated that rescinding the DOJ’s report would signal that political interference in law enforcement is unacceptable, reinforcing principles aligned with an America First agenda.