Protesters gather at Alexandria courthouse as judge questions Trump prosecutor's authority
Constitutional showdown at Albert V. Bryan Courthouse could doom cases against Comey and James
A small group of protesters gathered outside the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria today during a hearing on interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s authority in the James Comey and Letitia James cases, according to CNN.
Signs made by the protesters read “No president has the power to order someone to be arrested,” and “Vindictive prosecution is not justice, it’s a crime.” The protesters were peaceful.
Inside the courthouse, U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, brought in from South Carolina, heard arguments on whether Halligan was legally appointed to bring criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, according to CNN.
Defense attorneys argued Halligan was unlawfully installed after the 120-day limit for interim U.S. attorneys expired. The Justice Department maintains the appointment was legal and characterized questions about it as “at most a paperwork error,” according to the Associated Press.
According to the AP, Currie disclosed that grand jury records were missing a portion, raising questions about the government’s claims. She expects to decide by Thanksgiving, with both trials currently set for January.
For full coverage of today’s hearing, read: Politico | Associated Press | CNN | NBC News | CBS News | Washington Post | Axios