Prosecution of James Comey Involves Extensive Evidence, Says Acting Attorney General
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized on Sunday that the case against former FBI Director James Comey extends far beyond the social media posts that brought it to light. During an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Blanche outlined the depth of the evidence collected over an 11-month investigation, which has been presented to a grand jury.
Blanche Remains Tight-Lipped About Evidence
While Blanche refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the evidence against Comey, he asserted that the forthcoming trial would provide clarity to the public. “At trial, in a public hearing, everyone in this country will know exactly what evidence the government has against Mr. Comey,” he stated, indicating a commitment to transparency as the case unfolds.
Charges Arise from Social Media Activity
Last week, Comey was indicted for allegedly threatening the president’s life by posting an image on Instagram depicting seashells arranged to form the numbers “86 47.” This unusual approach to indictment raises significant questions about the implications of social media communication.
Trump Responds to Alleged Threats
When asked whether he felt threatened by Comey’s posts, President Donald Trump responded affirmatively, expressing concern about the terminology used. “If you know anything about crime, you know the word 86,” he remarked, suggesting that it is a mob-related term for ‘kill.’ This statement positioned the indictment within a broader narrative of alleged threats to the president.
Context Surrounding the ’86’ Terminology
However, responses from various sources indicate that the term “86” is often viewed as commonplace language, particularly in the restaurant industry, where it signifies getting rid of an item. Senator Thom Tillis expressed skepticism regarding the perception of the term as violent, questioning the rationale behind basing a serious indictment on a simple photo in the sand.
Blanche Addresses Broader Context
Blanche countered criticisms by stating that the Justice Department has amassed a substantial body of evidence against Comey, asserting that the case encompasses more than just the digits “86 47.” He acknowledged the prevalence of threatening statements directed at the president but maintained that not every instance results in indictment, emphasizing the necessity for thorough investigations.
Political Ramifications of the Indictment
In turn, Senator Adam Schiff criticized the focus on this particular case, suggesting that it diverts attention from more pressing violent crime issues. He pointed out that the only distinction between Comey’s actions and those of others engaged in similar behavior lies in their political affiliations. The case, he argued, highlights a potential misuse of the justice system driven by political motives.
Previous Legal Challenges Faced by Comey
Blanche highlighted that a previously dismissed indictment against Comey was not related to the current case, reinforcing that different legal standards apply here. He acknowledged that while past cases led to dismissals based on procedural issues, the current actions are grounded in substantive findings. The former FBI director is also under scrutiny in a broader investigation tied to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, indicating a complex web of legal challenges ahead.
