Attorney General Merrick Garland compares criticism of DOJ to an 'attack' on democracy

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday compared criticism of the Department of Justice over allegations of a two-tiered justice system to an attack on democracy. 

"Some have chosen to attack the integrity of the Justice Department," Garland said in response to a journalist who asked if Americans have "cause to be concerned" about the integrity of the DOJ.

Garland said that the backlash "constitutes an attack on an institution that is essential to American democracy."

Hunter Biden has struck a deal with federal prosecutors to avoid prison by pleading guilty to two misdemeanor tax crimes and admitting to a gun charge that could be dismissed, court records released earlier this week show.

The deal has sparked an influx of criticism from lawmakers and legal scholars alike. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, who's leading the probe into the Biden family, was one of many to dub it a "sweetheart deal" that puts DOJ's perceived favoritism on full display.

"Let's be clear: the Department of Justice’s charges against President Biden’s son Hunter reveal a two-tiered system of justice," Rep. Comer stated after the plea deal was announced. "Hunter Biden is getting away with a slap on the wrist."