A US federal judge has dismissed the case against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor overseeing the indictments was unlawfully appointed. The court’s decision invalidates the charges against both individuals, with Judge Cameron McGowan Currie stating that the actions taken by the improperly appointed prosecutor were unlawful. Both Comey and James expressed relief at the decision, with Comey calling it a victory against a politically motivated prosecution.
The ruling comes as part of an ongoing legal battle following the indictment of Comey for making false statements during a 2020 Senate hearing about the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, which Trump won. Although the investigation later found no collusion between Trump and Russia, Comey defended the probe as ‘appropriate and essential.’
In October, a federal grand jury indicted James for mortgage fraud. According to CNN, the ruling makes it possible to bring the same charges against Comey and James in the future. The White House has stated that the facts of the indictments against Comey and James have not changed and that this will not be the final word on the matter.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Halligan ‘was legally appointed, and that’s the administration’s position.’ Attorney General Pam Bondi also defended Halligan, calling her ‘an excellent lawyer.’