Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) on Monday made his first public appearance since being indicted Friday on federal corruption charges for the second time in his career. Speaking at Hudson Community College in his hometown of Union City, Menendez vehemently denied any misconduct and blasted the scores of local leaders who called for his resignation in the hours after the indictment was unsealed.
“To those who have rushed to judgment, you have done so based in a limited set of facts, framed by the prosecution to be as salacious as possible,” Menendez said. “Remember, prosecutors get it wrong sometimes. Sadly, I know that. Instead of waiting for all the facts to be presented, others have rushed to judgment because they see a political opportunity for themselves or those around them.”
Menendez has already garnered primary challengers for his seat, including Rep. Andy Kim (D-3rd) and more are expected to join the race. The senator stopped short of announcing a reelection bid; a spokesperson for him told NJ Spotlight News that Monday wasn’t the day for that. The senator and his co-defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday.
