US Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) faced repeated backlash on Thursday after she attempted to link a Twitter account to an FBI whistleblower who was testifying before a House select committee.
During the hearing, Sanchez questioned suspended FBI staff operations specialist Marcus Allen about his Twitter usage. She referred to an account with the same name as Allen's and read out a tweet that suggested US Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) staged the January 6 events.
However, Allen repeatedly stated the Twitter account was not his. Despite his denial, Sanchez insisted on asking whether he agreed with the tweet, leading Allen to reaffirm that it was not his account, and that he did not agree with the statement.
Sanchez's remarks and her attempt to associate Allen with the Twitter account received backlash from Republican colleagues, including Reps. Troy Nehls (TX) and Matt Gaetz (FL).
Nehls pointed out there are multiple Twitter accounts with the same names as Americans and even shared a screenshot of a newly created account under the name Linda Sanchez, praising Donald Trump.
Gaetz also commented on the matter, highlighting the random account's endorsement of former President Trump. His tweet drew amused responses from GOP Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Paul Gosar of Arizona.
The incident involving Sanchez and Allen's mistaken identity on Twitter has brought attention to the potential risks and complications of associating social media accounts with real individuals during official hearings.