U.S. attorney general Merrick Garland compared Friday criticism of the Department of Justice regarding allegations of a dual-tiered system of justice to an attack against democracy.

Garland responded to a reporter who asked whether Americans had “cause for concern” regarding the integrity DOJ.

Garland stated that the backlash was “an attack on an essential institution to American democracy.”

Hunter Biden, according to court documents released this week, has reached a deal to avoid jail by pleading to two misdemeanor taxes crimes and admitting a gun charge which could be dropped.

This deal has been criticized by both lawmakers and legal experts. James Comer of the House Oversight Committee, who is leading the investigation into the Bidens, was among those to call it a “sweetheart agreement” that shows the DOJ’s perceived favouritism.

Rep. Comer said after the plea agreement was announced, “Let’s not be confused: The Department of Justice’s accusations against President Biden’s son Hunter show a two-tiered justice system.” “Hunter Biden gets away with a simple slap on his wrist.”