Judge Demands Grand Jury Transcripts in James Comey Case, DOJ on Notice

UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. District Court Judge Cameron McGowan Currie has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to produce complete transcripts from the grand jury that indicted former FBI Director James Comey. This urgent demand follows the DOJ’s failure to include critical statements made by interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan during the proceedings.

Earlier today, Judge Currie expressed her dissatisfaction, revealing that the DOJ had submitted the transcripts but omitted Halligan’s remarks, which are vital to understanding the indictment’s integrity. “This court has reviewed the transcript and finds it fails to include remarks made by the indictment signer both before and after the testimony of the sole witness,” the judge stated. The ruling raises significant questions about the legality of Halligan’s appointment, a point Comey has raised in his push to dismiss the indictment.

The judge has given the DOJ just 24 hours to deliver a complete and unredacted transcript that includes all statements made by Halligan, particularly those made during the presentation of the three-count indictment. This request is unprecedented, as noted by former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance, who emphasized that it is “unusual for a court to ask for disclosure or a prosecutor’s comments in the grand jury.” She added, “And never good news for the government.”

This development is crucial as it could potentially alter the course of the legal proceedings against Comey. The indictment itself, which has been a point of contention, hinges on whether Halligan was validly appointed, a claim that could undermine the entire case.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the DOJ. What happens next could have significant implications not just for Comey but also for the validity of the indictment process and the broader political ramifications surrounding the Trump administration. Legal analysts are urging the public to pay close attention to the DOJ’s response and the implications of the judge’s ruling.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.