Republicans House Members in the room for Wednesday’s Intelligence Committee public impeachment inquiry hearing laughed when committee Chairman Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) claimed he does not know the name of the whistleblower whose anonymous second-hand claim of misconduct by President Trump with regard to Ukraine instigated the partisan impeachment process by Democrats.

Schiff was challenged by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) on whether Republicans would be allowed to question the whistleblower, saying Schiff knew their name and that Schiff’s staff had met with them. Schiff denied knowing the name.

Rep. @Jim_Jordan rips @RepAdamSchiff for coordinating with the whistleblower. Schiff claims he "does not know the identity of the whistleblower." pic.twitter.com/HdDQGmHwv8 — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) November 13, 2019

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The reaction by Republicans was reported by Alex Miller of Newsy, “Schiff says he doesn’t know the identity of the whistleblower, entire front row of republicans laugh.”

Schiff says he doesn't know the identity of the whistleblower, entire front row of republicans laugh. — Alex Miller (@AlexMillerNews) November 13, 2019

Axios reporter Alayna Treene reported Republicans laughed and sneered, “Republican members of Congress in the audience laughed & sneered to each other when Schiff said this”

Republican members of Congress in the audience laughed & sneered to each other when Schiff said this https://t.co/a0aRpspXtm — Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) November 13, 2019

Schiff’s dubious claim (falsely reported as a “fact check”) was also challenged online by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), “In response to @Jim_Jordan, Adam Schiff claims he doesn’t know the identity of the whistleblower. If he doesn’t know their identity, how will he prevent them from being named?”

In response to @Jim_Jordan, Adam Schiff claims he doesn't know the identity of the whistleblower. If he doesn't know their identity, how will he prevent them from being named? — Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) November 13, 2019

Daily Mail reporter David Martosko, “Adam Schiff claims he doesn’t know the identity of the Ukraine whistle-blower. How is this possible? His staff met with the person.”

Adam Schiff claims he doesn't know the identity of the Ukraine whistle-blower. How is this possible? His staff met with the person. — David Martosko (@dmartosko) November 13, 2019

Trump War Room co-host Raheem Kassam noted problems with Schiff’s denial, “Schiff says he doesn’t know the identity of the whistleblower, despite his staff being in contact with the whistleblower. Ok, but if he doesn’t know the identity, how can he as the Intel Chairman stop the whistleblower being named? And how is the name being redacted in docs?”

Schiff says he doesn't know the identity of the whistleblower, despite his staff being in contact with the whistleblower. Ok, but if he doesn't know the identity, how can he as the Intel Chairman stop the whistleblower being named? And how is the name being redacted in docs? — Raheem Kassam (@RaheemKassam) November 13, 2019

Presumably Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) was one of those laughing at Schiff from his front row seat.

Press tables are tucked right up in front of the first row of lawmakers spectating. Which means I also have a front row to some colorful commentary from GOP members. pic.twitter.com/lCnNpiCWRb — K Tully-McManus (@ktullymcmanus) November 13, 2019

Unfortunately, Gohmert and his fellow Congressmen were placed by Schiff in “Bob Uecker” front row seats in the back of the room behind the media.

Here's all the media Schiff put between voting members and the back of witnesses heads. #SchiffMediaCircus pic.twitter.com/buq359H9VC — Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) November 13, 2019

Intel Committee Republicans set up a sign on their side of the dais that said, “93 days since Adam Schiff learned the identity of the whistleblower.

Chairman Mao Tse Schiff is not amused.