A US judge has dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed. Judge Cameron Currie stated that Lindsey Halligan, who was handpicked by Trump for the prosecution, was ineligible for the position. Both Comey and James have consistently asserted their innocence, labeling the prosecutions as politically motivated.
In response to the court's ruling, the White House emphasized that the facts behind the indictments remain unchanged, indicating a potential for further legal action.
President Trump has repeatedly condemned both Comey and James, declaring them 'guilty as hell' on social media and asserting that 'justice must be served'. Judge Currie's ruling asserted that Halligan's previous role was inappropriate and concluded that all charges stemming from her appointment were void.
The dismissal came without prejudice, allowing the possibility for the Justice Department to refile the case later. Following the judge's decision, Comey expressed relief that the prosecution based on 'malevolence and incompetence' was over, while also cautioning that Trump may pursue further action against him. James, too, proclaimed her resolve, stating that she remains fearless against the baseless allegations.
Halligan's appointment as a replacement for Erik Siebert was deemed improper due to procedural missteps. The ruling highlights the intersection of law enforcement and political conflict, and the White House's Press Secretary stated that they plan to appeal this ruling promptly, affirming Halligan's legitimacy as a prosecutor.
In response to the court's ruling, the White House emphasized that the facts behind the indictments remain unchanged, indicating a potential for further legal action.
President Trump has repeatedly condemned both Comey and James, declaring them 'guilty as hell' on social media and asserting that 'justice must be served'. Judge Currie's ruling asserted that Halligan's previous role was inappropriate and concluded that all charges stemming from her appointment were void.
The dismissal came without prejudice, allowing the possibility for the Justice Department to refile the case later. Following the judge's decision, Comey expressed relief that the prosecution based on 'malevolence and incompetence' was over, while also cautioning that Trump may pursue further action against him. James, too, proclaimed her resolve, stating that she remains fearless against the baseless allegations.
Halligan's appointment as a replacement for Erik Siebert was deemed improper due to procedural missteps. The ruling highlights the intersection of law enforcement and political conflict, and the White House's Press Secretary stated that they plan to appeal this ruling promptly, affirming Halligan's legitimacy as a prosecutor.
