A US judge has dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the charges was unlawfully appointed.
Judge Cameron Currie stated that Lindsey Halligan, who was handpicked by Trump to pursue the charges against the two notable figures, was ineligible for the role due to a lack of experience in prosecuting cases.
Both Comey and James have consistently denied any wrongdoing, labeling these prosecutions as politically charged attacks.
Following the ruling, the White House expressed its intent to appeal, arguing that the facts of the case remain unchanged and that the decision would not be the final word on the matter.
Trump has openly criticized both Comey and James over the years, accusing them of various misdeeds, and has called for accountability on social media platforms.
Judge Currie explained that Halligan's prior appointment as a replacement for an interim US attorney had violated the statute governing such roles. This ruling has allowed for the dismissal of the charges 'without prejudice,' meaning they can be refiled in the future.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that judicial appeal against this ruling would come soon, insisting Halligan's appointment was valid while critiquing the judge's decision as an attempt to shield Comey and James from due accountability.
Comey expressed relief at the decision which dismissed 'malicious' prosecution efforts, although he warned that Trump might attempt to retaliate again. Meanwhile, James celebrated the ruling, promising to continue her work for New Yorkers in light of the baseless charges against her.
Judge Cameron Currie stated that Lindsey Halligan, who was handpicked by Trump to pursue the charges against the two notable figures, was ineligible for the role due to a lack of experience in prosecuting cases.
Both Comey and James have consistently denied any wrongdoing, labeling these prosecutions as politically charged attacks.
Following the ruling, the White House expressed its intent to appeal, arguing that the facts of the case remain unchanged and that the decision would not be the final word on the matter.
Trump has openly criticized both Comey and James over the years, accusing them of various misdeeds, and has called for accountability on social media platforms.
Judge Currie explained that Halligan's prior appointment as a replacement for an interim US attorney had violated the statute governing such roles. This ruling has allowed for the dismissal of the charges 'without prejudice,' meaning they can be refiled in the future.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that judicial appeal against this ruling would come soon, insisting Halligan's appointment was valid while critiquing the judge's decision as an attempt to shield Comey and James from due accountability.
Comey expressed relief at the decision which dismissed 'malicious' prosecution efforts, although he warned that Trump might attempt to retaliate again. Meanwhile, James celebrated the ruling, promising to continue her work for New Yorkers in light of the baseless charges against her.
