Justin Fairfax compared himself to Jim Crow-era lynching victims in a surprise speech Sunday, as he resists widespread calls to resign prompted by allegations of sexual assault. Fairfax strongly defended himself and lashed out at his critics from his rostrum in the state Senate as the 2019 legislative session was coming to a close. Justin Fairfax exits the floor after the Senate adjourned their 2019 session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019. House Republicans announced plans Friday to hold a public hearing where Fairfax, Tyson and Watson can testify, a move that Fairfax and some Democrats have panned as a political ploy. Fairfax has indicated he won’t participate in the hearing, leaving it an open question whether Republicans will try to compel him to testify.

Source: thestar February 24, 2019 19:39 UTC