Overview
- U.S. District Judge David J. Novak ordered Lindsey Halligan to explain in writing within seven days why she continues to identify as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Novak warned that her identification could constitute a false or misleading statement and asked why the court should not strike her title from an active indictment.
- Senior Judge Cameron McGowan Currie ruled in November that Halligan’s interim appointment was unlawful, leading to the dismissal of indictments against James Comey and Letitia James.
- Novak noted the Justice Department has appealed Currie’s decision but no stay has issued, making the ruling binding in the district for now.
- Internal guidance told prosecutors to keep listing Halligan as U.S. attorney and special attorney, and Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a retroactive special attorney order, as the White House pursues Senate confirmation for Halligan.