Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke disclosed that she was arrested in Maryland in relation to a domestic violence complaint back in 2006, a legal matter that she chose not to divulge during her Senate confirmation process in 2021 because it had been expunged from her record. During her confirmation process, Clarke was specifically asked by Senator Tom Cotton if she had ever been arrested for or accused of committing a violent crime, to which she responded with a denial. However, information about her arrest was brought to light by The Daily Signal, which cited court documents, text messages, and her ex-husband Reginald Avery.
According to Avery, his finger was severely injured after Clarke allegedly attacked him with a knife when he admitted to cheating on her. Charges against Clarke were later dropped, and she took steps to have the arrest expunged from her record more than a year later. Clarke explained in a statement to CNN that she had endured years of abuse and domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband nearly two decades ago, making it a traumatizing and terrorizing period in her life. She expressed that the physical and emotional scars, as well as the emotional abuse and exploitation, were experiences no woman should have to go through.
Clarke defended her decision not to disclose the expunged arrest during her confirmation process, stating that she did not believe then or now that she was required to share a fully expunged matter from her past. Despite calls from Republicans, including Senator Mike Lee, for her resignation due to perceived dishonesty during her confirmation process, Clarke has stated that she has no intention of stepping down from her role as head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division. She emphasized her commitment to upholding the rights of crime victims and ensuring that their experiences and needs are at the forefront of her work.
The controversy surrounding Clarke’s past arrest and subsequent non-disclosure during her confirmation process has raised questions about her credibility and ability to effectively enforce civil rights laws in her current position. Critics argue that her actions suggest a lack of transparency and integrity, particularly as she oversees the enforcement of laws related to civil rights and issues such as domestic violence. Despite the calls for her resignation, Clarke remains steadfast in her position and asserts her dedication to fulfilling her duties as a public servant and advocate for crime victims.
The response to Clarke’s revelation of her past arrest has been divided, with some defending her decision to keep the expunged matter private and others criticizing her for what they perceive as dishonesty and lack of transparency. While Republican lawmakers have called for her resignation, Clarke’s supporters believe that her personal experiences with domestic violence do not diminish her ability to effectively serve in her current role. Moving forward, Clarke’s leadership and credibility may continue to be scrutinized as she navigates the challenges of her position within the Department of Justice.
