In a surprising turn of events, federal prosecutors have reversed their earlier claims that only two members reviewed the final indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. The Department of Justice (DOJ) now says the full grand jury reviewed the indictment. This change comes after prosecutors testified in court on Wednesday that the grand jury foreperson and one other member reviewed the revised indictment, but not the entire panel.
Comey’s attorney had argued that the issue with the grand jury indictment required the judge to dismiss the case. The DOJ officials have denied this claim, stating that the official transcript of the proceedings confirms the full grand jury voted on and approved the two-count indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons testified in court on Wednesday that the full grand jury did not see the final indictment.
The reversal comes as part of a broader controversy surrounding the handling of Comey’s case. The DOJ has faced criticism for its handling of the investigation, with some arguing that Trump’s interference in the prosecution was an “egregious violation of bedrock constitutional values.” The issue has sparked heated debates between prosecutors and judges, with some leveling personal attacks against each other.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan denied being a “puppet” or “stalking horse” for President Donald Trump, saying the DOJ would continue to follow the facts and law. However, Judge Michael Nachmanoff had questioned whether Halligan was doing Trump’s bidding during their exchange in court. The controversy surrounding Comey’s case continues to unfold as he pleads not guilty to all charges.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/doj-halligan-slam-judge-comey-case-hearing/story?id=127709589