Overview
- Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick ordered prosecutors to provide James Comey’s defense by Thursday evening all grand jury records and evidence seized in prior leak probes, saying the case felt like “indict first, investigate second.”
- The judge focused on materials taken under four 2019–2020 search warrants targeting Comey confidant and onetime attorney Daniel Richman, directing swift access so the defense can assess potential attorney‑client privilege.
- Prosecutors said the older warrant returns are isolated at FBI headquarters, and the judge cautioned the government not to review potentially privileged items until a process is resolved, noting any use would be at their own risk.
- Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding, and his attorneys argue the prosecution is retaliatory following President Trump’s social‑media call for action.
- The Justice Department this week argued Trump’s posts do not prove a vindictive motive, defended interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s appointment, and urged that the indictments stand even if her status were found invalid.