Feb. 22 (UPI) -- At the first day of his Senate confirmation hearings Monday, U.S. Attorney General-designate Merrick Garland gave a rough outline of some of the things he'd do as the nation's top law enforcement officer -- from prosecuting those who attacked the Capitol last month to weighing federal gun reform policies.
Garland, a former federal prosecutor before becoming a judge on the influential U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., appeared before the Senate judiciary committee for questioning.
During his testimony, Garland said that overseeing prosecution for supporters of former President Donald Trump who were instrumental in attacking the Capitol will be his initial priority.
"If confirmed, I will supervise the prosecution of white supremacists and others who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 -- a heinous attack that sought to disrupt a cornerstone of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected government," Garland said in his opening statement.
"The attorney general takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies -- foreign and domestic."
Garland added that prosecution likely won't be limited to those who physically attacked the building, but could also include fundraisers and other organizers for the rally that turned into an assault.
"We will pursue these leads, wherever they take us," he said.
Garland, who was nominated as a Supreme Court justice by former President Barack Obama five years ago, also said the Justice Department could be open to new policies on federal-level gun control reforms.
"The president is a strong supporter of gun control and has been an advocate all of his professional life on this question," he said when questioned by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. "The role of the Justice Department is to advance the policy program of the administration as long as it is consistent with the law."
Garland also made clear Monday that his Justice Department will take seriously racial and social inequality.
He said statistics are clear that Black Americans and other people of color are treated differently by the justice system, and that all should be treated equally.
Garland echoed Biden's stance of not supporting the movement to "defund" police. He did say, though, that he supports more mental health support and enhanced social services so police officers are used less in instances of suicide and mental health calls.
He also said he's concerned about the upswing in violent crime in some of the country's largest cities and will strengthen the Justice Department's role in addressing the problem.
Garland stressed at Monday's hearing that the department, under his leadership, would not be politicized -- a constant criticism that many lobbed at Trump during his four years in office.
"The president made abundantly clear in every public statement before and after my nomination that the decisions about investigations and prosecutions will be left to the Justice Department," Garland said. "That was the reason that I was willing to take on this job."
Garland is expected to win bipartisan support to win confirmation. The judiciary committee will hold a second day of hearings Tuesday.
Siege aftermath: damage to historic U.S. Capitol
Capitol Hill police salute the passing of the funeral hearse on Sunday for slain Officer Brian Sicknick, who died in the rioting at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
Members of the Delaware National Guard provide security at newly erected barricades on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo
National Guard troops stand guard across from the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI. | License Photo
A CBS live footage is seen on a monitor inside a satellite truck as networks are broadcasting on the east end of the U.S Capitol on Friday, two days after Pro-Trump mobs breached the security perimeter and penetrated the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Patty Raine places roses in the security fence that wraps around the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI. | License Photo
Maryland National Guard officers protect the Senate Russell Office Building as security is increased for the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI. | License Photo
The Supreme Court is seen through a broken window of the East entrance to the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Workers clean the halls near the Senate Chamber. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A trash bin is filled with items left behind by the mob. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Powder remnants from tear gas, pepper spray and fire extinguisher is seen on a desk of telephones. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
U.S. Capitol police are seen through a broken door window outside the East entrance. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A discarded gas mask is seen early Thursday on the Capitol floor. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
A Capitol Police officer is seen guarding the entrance to the office of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. On Wednesday, protesters were seen sitting at her desk. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Damage is seen on the door windows for the East entrance to the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A U.S. Capitol employee cleans up glass from a broken window. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A cleaning crew works at vacuuming powder remnants of tear gas, pepper spray and fire extinguishers at one of the entrances. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Officers walk by as powder remnants of tear gas, pepper spray and fire extinguishers are seen on the floor of the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A statue of President Zachary Taylor is covered with plastic obscuring a red substance on the face. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Damage to a door in the U.S. Capitol is seen after an attempt to break in. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
The rioters broke through several levels of security, smashing windows and doors as they stormed the Capitol and occupied both congressional chambers. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
After the building was cleared, Congress reconvened their joint session to certify Biden's victory. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
"Traitors" is scrawled on the door of the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
Damage is seen on the door windows for the East entrance to the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A Holy Bible is seen on the floor of the Capitol. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A 35-year-old female Air Force veteran was shot and killed by police during the siege. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo
A "Don't Tread on Me Flag" is seen in a trash can. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
