Democratic congresswoman grills FBI whistleblower over Twitter account he denies owning
WASHINGTON (TND) — During a Thursday morning hearing of the House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Rep. Linda Sanchez, D- Calif., questioned witness Marcus Allen over tweets she thought belonged to the now-suspended FBI staff operations specialist.
According to Allen's testimony, he alleged he was suspended from his post for whistleblowing against partisan-driven enforcement within the bureau. When given the opportunity, Rep. Sanchez pointed rapid succession questions toward the witness.
Mr. Allen, have you ever used Twitter, yes or no," Rep. Sanchez asked Allen.
I have utilized Twitter, yes I have," FBI specialist Marcus Allen responded back to Rep. Sanchez,
Is your account @MarcusA97050645," Rep. Sanchez questioned.
That is absolutely not my account, ma'am," Allen responded.
"Alright, that's not your account?" she asked. For a brief moment, it appeared she understood that perhaps her background information on the Twitter account was incorrect.
Then, without skipping a beat, Rep. Sanchez seemingly ignored Marcus Allen's rebuff that the Twitter account of 132 followers did not belong to him and pressed forward regardless.
Well, on December 5, 2022, an account under the name under Marcus Allen retweeted a tweet..." Sanchez began to say before she was interrupted by Allen, who was once again trying to set the record straight.
That's not my account, ma'am," Allen protested, repeating himself in a firmer manner.
Still ignoring Allen's categorical rejection of her characterization of his online activity, Rep. Sanchez pushed back.
You have to let me finish the question, sir." Sanchez told Allen before immediately doubling down. "You haven't let me finish the question... and the time is mine."
TND sought out the tweet the California legislator described. The account did retweet the lines "Nancy Pelosi staged January 6th. Retweet if you agree" on December 5, 2022.
The California congresswoman pressed forward and questioned Allen.
Do you agree with the statement this person tweeted?" she asked.
No. No, ma'am. That is not my account at all," Allen answered, appearing perplexed by the questioning.
Soon after the interaction, the official House Republican Judiciary Committee's Twitter account mocked Rep. Sanchez in a satirical tweet suggesting she believed former President Donald Trump was the "greatest president," citing an account belonging to a random "Linda Sanchez."
In reviewing the exchange, The National Desk (TND) sought what standards define a "Twitterbot" and if Marcus Allen's alleged account might fall under this category.
According to Norton, it appears the account checks off many of the criteria they define as "7 ways to recognize a Twitter bot."
TND attempted to reach Rep. Linda Sanchez's office for comment, but did not receive a response.
