By Amofokhai Williams
A federal judge has dismissed the high-profile criminal charges filed against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that the indictments were invalid because they were brought by an unlawfully appointed interim U.S. Attorney.
In a sharply worded decision, the court held that Lindsey Halligan, appointed as interim U.S. Attorney at the direction of President Donald Trump, did not meet the legal requirements for the role.
Halligan, known primarily as one of Trump’s personal attorneys, has no prosecutorial experience, raising immediate concerns when she was installed in the powerful federal position.
According to U.S. media reports, Halligan’s appointment followed the resignation of her predecessor, who allegedly stepped down under pressure from President Trump after an investigation into Letitia James failed to produce criminal charges.
The judge ruled that because Halligan’s appointment was unlawful, “all actions taken under the authority of that office, including the indictments in question, are invalid.” The court did not address the merits of the allegations against Comey or James, focusing solely on the flawed process behind the prosecution.
White House Reacts: ‘This Is Not the Final Word’
Despite the ruling, the White House signalled that it intends to continue pursuing the matter.
A spokesperson said, “The facts of the indictments against Comey and James have not changed and this will not be the final word on this matter.” The statement suggests the administration may seek to refile charges through a different legal channel.
