Hearing room bursts into applause for Vindman's refusal to be intimidated

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's testimony on Tuesday in the impeachment hearings into President Donald Trump was remarkable for a number of reasons, but one moment stood out when the audience in the room gave him a rare show of support.

Vindman took questions from Rep. Sean Maloney (D-NY), who asked him why he would choose to testify, despite knowing that he would face blowback and criticism from the president and his defenders. That criticism his indeed been fierce and vicious. Vindman had mentioned, in particular, that his father was fearful for him.

But Vindman gave an emotional explanation about why his father — an immigrant from the former Soviet Union — shouldn't be concerned.

"Congressman, because this is America," he said. =This is the country I have served and defended, that all of my brothers have served and here, right matters."

The audience burst into applause at these remarks.

Watch the clip below: