Yes, the Department of Justice is actually spending their time on this. Attorney General Jeff Session’s confirmation hearing this past January was going smoothly as ever — considering the highly anticipated pushback from activists and protesters— until activist Desiree Fairooz let out a giggle.
According to CNN, Fairooz heard Senator Richard Shelby refer to Sessions as someone who treats “all Americans equally under the law,” and laughed.
Another protester escorted out of Sessions hearing. Her original offense appeared to be simply laughing. pic.twitter.com/p6lWzBVFRW
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) January 10, 2017
At first Shelby didn’t even acknowledge the outburst — which Fairooz called a “reflexive noise” and “rejection of what [she] considered an outright lie or pure ignorance.” Later, Fairooz was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for disrupting the hearing.
While a judge later tossed out that guilty verdict in July, a new trial has been set for November 13. It’s far-fetched to think that she could serve time or be penalized just for laughing, but it’s truly possible.
Overall, the DOJ seems oddly focused on defending Sessions’ ego. Hopefully, they’ll be moving on to more pressing matter soon.