While Thursday's hearing was happening, Pence was talking about oil and gas

While Thursday's hearing was happening, Pence was talking about oil and gas

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While Thursday's hearing was happening, Pence was talking about oil and gas

Before a roundtable event Thursday at an energy company on Spring Grove Avenue in Cincinnati, former Vice President Mike Pence chastised the man who currently sits in the Oval Office for sending letters to American oil executives Wednesday.

"Telling them to produce more oil. In fact, his press secretary said it was the oil company's patriotic duty to produce more oil," Pence said. "Well, I would say, 'Pres. Joe Biden, it is your patriotic duty to unleash American energy and put our nation back on a pathway toward energy independence.'"

More than once during his opening remarks, Pence referenced former Pres. Trump, who's under intense scrutiny for the role he played before, during and after the insurrection that rocked Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2021.

"We know how to unleash American energy. We did it during the Trump-Pence administration," he said.

What Pence declined to do was say one word about Thursday's committee hearing in Washington. The former vice president's role in certifying the 2020 election result was in sharp focus in D.C., as were threats made against his life when a mob stormed the halls of Congress.

WLWT investigator Todd Dykes asked Pence to comment on the hearing, which was happening simultaneously.

"Vice President Pence, do you have any word," Dykes asked before being interrupted by a loud voice.

"Pack it up. Let's go. Pack it up, guys. Let's go," the person said forcefully.

"Care to comment about Jan. 6?" Dykes said.

"Pack it up. No questions. Let's go," the person said.

After that exchange, Dykes and other members of the media were ushered out of the room where the roundtable event was happening. Pence, along with OH Gov. Mike DeWine, then continued their conversation about Ohio's oil and gas industry.

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