Todd Blanche says case against Comey based on more than just Instagram post
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the criminal charges against former FBI head James Comey, asserting the indictment is based on more than just an Instagram post from last year.
- Comey was charged with a two-count felony related to a photo he posted showing seashells arranged to say “86 47,” which Trump allies interpreted as a threat against the president; Comey has denied wrongdoing and apologized for any misunderstanding.
- Legal experts and some politicians, including Republican Senator Thom Tillis, expressed skepticism about the charges, calling for more substantial evidence beyond the Instagram photo.
- Blanche emphasized that intent would be proven with witnesses and documents at a public trial but declined to specify additional evidence before trial.
- The case is being overseen by relatively inexperienced prosecutors, and some career lawyers reportedly left the investigation, raising further questions about the prosecution’s strength.
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