UNION CITY, NJ – In the wake of a bombshell indictment against him, New Jersey U.S. Senator Robert Menendez held a press conference at Hudson County Community College to claim not only his innocence but to tell America that he’s a well-intentioned public servant being targeted by forces seeking to discredit him.
During the speech, the senator said he never committed any crimes and that he is being targeted by the D.C. Swamp.
Last week, the Department of Justice announced a sweeping indictment against him, including charges of bribery, corruption and extortion. Federal investigators found gold bars hidden in his home valued at over $100,000 and $500,000 in cash stuffed inside a jacket in his closet.
In front of a room ful of reporters and cameras, Menendez outlined his policy action in Egypt and said that had nothing to do with Egyptian businessmen allegedly sending him cash and gold bars.
Menendez said he has worked to hold Egpyt accountable for human rights abuses and did not take bribes.
“Those who are now attempting to malign my actions simply don’t know the facts,” Menendez said. “I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account in case of emergency and because of the history of my family facing persecution in Cuba.”
Menendez said he is a faithful public servant who has given most of his whole adult life for the public good.
He said politicians such as Governor Phil Murphy, who are calling for his resignation are driven only by politics.
Menendez spent most of the press conference reading off his resume while in the U.S. Senate. Menendez said he is not a criminal, but a defender of human rights around the world.
Menendez promptly left the room and did take questions from the media. He did not resign and as speculated, he did not officially announce his official campaign for re-election, but made it clear in so many words, that will be his plan going forward.