Judge dismisses case against two ex-FBI officials over Hunter Biden

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 16:15 · Archive

A federal judge dismissed a criminal complaint against two former FBI officials accused of lying to Congress about Hunter Biden's laptop.

A federal judge in Washington dismissed a criminal complaint against two former FBI officials accused of making false statements to Congress about Hunter Biden. U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui ruled that the investigation into Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides was rushed, overtly political and dogged by critical mistakes. The judge said the case could not be described as anything other than weaponisation.

Faruqui noted that the investigation was opened a day after a primetime speech by President Donald Trump in which he rehashed grievances over his 2020 election loss. He also observed that the investigation was mandated and closely tracked by FBI Director Kash Patel. The judge highlighted that the Justice Department could have brought the case, which arose from statements made in 2023, at any time but chose to do so two weeks before the midterm voting.

During the hearing, prosecutors were scolded for unorthodox maneuvers and an FBI agent testified that he had been concerned the investigation would be seen as political. The Justice Department may still have an opportunity to pursue a grand jury indictment against the two former officials.

How it is being reported

• Judge dismisses complaint against 2 ex-FBI officials accused of lying to Congress about Hunter BidenA federal judge in Washington has dismissed a criminal complaint against two former FBI officials accused of falsely downplaying their knowledge of a laptop the Justice Department says was Hunter Biden's.Clickorlando · 2 Nov, 15:34
• Judge dismisses complaint against 2 ex-FBI officials accused of lying to Congress about Hunter BidenA federal judge in Washington has dismissed a criminal complaint against two former FBI officials accused of falsely downplaying their knowledge of a laptop the Justice Department says was Hunter Biden's.News4Jax · 2 Nov, 15:34

In this story: Nikki Floris · Bradley Benavides · Zia Faruqui · Hunter Biden · Donald Trump · Kash Patel · Federal Bureau of Investigation · Justice Department

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