Outrage ensued at the Confirmation Hearing for SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh after the judge appeared to snub the father of a Parkland shooting victim on Tuesday. Closer investigation, however, reveals a story that’s not so cut-and-dry.
WATCH:
“My daughter was murdered in Parkland.”
Video shows Fred Guttenberg, father of Parkland shooting victim Jamie Guttenberg, attempting to speak with Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during a break in today’s confirmation hearing. https://t.co/g944k9nDGc pic.twitter.com/1XNA5lnztt
— ABC News (@ABC) September 4, 2018
At first glance, it does admittedly look as though Kavanaugh turns his back on Fred Guttenberg, who extends his hand to the judge and reportedly says, “My daughter was murdered in Parkland.”
To be clear, I was invited by Senator Feinstein to attend today. Anyone who knows me knows I will talk to anyone. I initiated an effort to introduce myself to Kavanaugh. It was my decison and I own it. Anyone trying to come up with some politial master plan is simply wrong.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) September 4, 2018
But upon further observation, when Kavanaugh turns back to see who is approaching him, a member of his security detail intervenes to move him along, thus not allowing any physical or verbal interaction with the gentleman.
While it does seem cold and harsh to not allow the judge to greet a man who carries such grief, the security guard appears to have moved Kavanaugh along.
It’s also important to note that with all the mayhem and protestors that made their way into the day-long hearing, Kavanaugh’s skepticism of being approached by someone he doesn’t know would be understandable.