Kavanaugh Accuser faces death threats before Senate hearing

Christine Blasey Ford, the California psychologist who accuses Supreme Court candidate Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school, has become the target of "vicious harassment" and death threats. .

Lawyers Debra Katz and Lisa Banks wrote Tuesday in a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) that the threats had forced Blasey and his family to leave their homes. Her email was hacked, they added, and she was spoofed online.

"In the 36 hours since his name was published, Dr. Ford has received incredible support from his community and his fellow citizens across the country," the lawyers wrote. "However, his worst fears have materialized."

Heidi Feldman, a law professor at Georgetown University, opened a page on GoFundMe Tuesday to help keep Blasey and his family safe. By Wednesday, he had raised more than $ 53,000.

"Create a fund to cover his security expenses, do just a little bit to help women in his position to come forward despite great risks," Feldman said before deciding to suspend fundraising until what happened. She learns more about Blasey's security needs.

Blasey called for an FBI inquiry into his story before testifying before the Judiciary Committee to "ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this case are evaluated in a non-partisan manner, and that the Committee is fully informed before proceeding to any hearing or making decisions. "

Grassley on Tuesday downplayed the need for an FBI investigation and reiterated his invitation to Blasey to testify Monday.

"We offered Dr. Ford the opportunity to share his story with the committee, as his lawyer said yesterday, she was willing to do that," Grassley said in a statement. "We offered her a public or private hearing, as well as staff-led interviews, which made her most comfortable. Nothing that the FBI or any other investigator would do would affect what Dr. Ford says to the committee, so there is no reason to delay further.