Overview
- At a joint hearing in Alexandria, Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie is considering defense motions to remove Lindsey Halligan, who alone signed and presented the indictments against James Comey and Letitia James.
- Justice Department lawyers argue Halligan’s role is valid and, even if not, say Attorney General Pam Bondi retroactively authorized her as a Special Attorney and that a six-month reindictment window could keep Comey’s case alive if it were dismissed after the statute of limitations.
- Defense teams contend the 120-day interim limit cannot be reset by successive appointments, note Virginia judges had already selected a caretaker when Halligan was installed, and say the limitations period on Comey’s charges has expired.
- Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick has ordered an in-camera review of late-September grand jury transcripts and audio after criticizing an “indict first, investigate later” approach, a dispute that could affect disclosure decisions.
- Separately, the Campaign for Accountability filed bar complaints in Florida and Virginia alleging Halligan brought charges without probable cause and made improper out-of-court statements, including a reported exchange with journalist Anna Bower.