A dramatic legal battle intensified Tuesday as a federal judge demanded the Justice Department release a complete record of the grand jury presentation that led to the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. Judge Cameron Currie issued the order, setting a strict Wednesday evening deadline for the full transcript to be submitted for review.
The core of the dispute centers on U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s presentation to the grand jury. Judge Currie found the initial submission from prosecutors incomplete, specifically lacking crucial remarks made by Halligan both before and after the testimony of the sole witness presented during the proceedings.
This isn’t simply a request for clarification; the judge highlighted that Halligan herself referenced these missing remarks during the witness’s testimony. The grand jury ultimately returned indictments on two of three counts sought by Halligan, declining to indict Comey on a charge of making false statements to Congress.
Comey is aggressively challenging the criminal case against him, alleging “vindictive prosecution” and, critically, questioning the legitimacy of Halligan’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. His legal team argues the appointment itself is flawed.
In a swift response to Comey’s challenge, Attorney General Pam Bondi took action Monday, retroactively designating Halligan as a “special attorney.” This move was clearly intended to bolster Halligan’s authority and counter Comey’s efforts to disqualify her from the case.
The “special attorney” designation grants Halligan the power to conduct any legal proceeding, both civil and criminal, within the Eastern District of Virginia, including grand jury proceedings and appearances before judges and magistrates. Bondi specifically authorized Halligan to handle both the Comey and Letitia James cases.
The judge’s order for the full transcript suggests a deep scrutiny of Halligan’s presentation and its potential influence on the grand jury’s decision. It raises questions about whether the grand jury received a complete and unbiased presentation of the evidence.
A hearing is scheduled for next Thursday where Judge Currie will address Comey’s challenge to Halligan’s appointment. The outcome of this hearing, and the revelations contained within the requested transcript, could significantly alter the course of the case against the former FBI Director.
The stakes are exceptionally high, with the integrity of the prosecution and the validity of the indictment hanging in the balance. The coming days promise a critical juncture in this unfolding legal drama.
