Mike Pence condemns attacks on FBI after search of Donald Trump's Mar

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Mike Pence

Photo: CJ GUNTHER/EPA

Former US Vice President Mike Pence has called for an end to attacks on the FBI after the search of ex-President Donald Trump's property.

"These attacks on the FBI have to stop," Pence said in a speech in the US state of New Hampshire on Wednesday.

Demands to cut money for the FBI and other police institutions are wrong.

At the same time, he sowed new doubts about the judiciary.

“The American people need to be reassured in the integrity of our justice system.

And just the appearance of politics playing a role in Justice Department decisions requires more transparency than ever.”

Pence said he was "deeply disturbed" when he learned of the search.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has not yet done "nearly enough" educational work.

"I also want to remind my fellow Republicans that we can hold the Attorney General accountable for the decision he made without attacking FBI law enforcement officials," Pence said.

The broadcaster CNN reported over the weekend that since the operation in Florida the FBI has been investigating an "unprecedented" number of threats against federal police employees and property.

During a search of Trump's property in the US state of Florida, the FBI found and confiscated, among other things, sets of documents classified as top secret.

Pence had recently distanced himself from Trump - but jumped in after the search.

The strictly religious Republican is said to have ambitions for a candidacy as a presidential candidate in 2024.

Regarding potential testimony before the Capitol Storm Inquiry Committee, Pence said: "If there was an invitation to attend, I would consider it."

dop/dpa