Judge dismisses case against ex-FBI officials

Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui dismissed the Justice Department's criminal case against Bradley Benavides and Nikki Floris on Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C.

What the officials were charged with

Benavides and Floris were charged around two weeks ago with lying to Congress in 2023 about their knowledge of the FBI's investigations into Hunter Biden.

Judge accuses DOJ of weaponization

Faruqui described the government's investigation as rushed and riddled with errors.He said in a scathing ruling: I am deeply troubled by what has happened here.What transpired here cannot be described as anything other than weaponization.

“I am deeply troubled by what has happened here. What transpired here cannot be described as anything other than weaponization.”

Investigation opened after Trump's speech

The investigation into Floris and Benavides was opened on FBI Director Kash Patel's orders the day after President Trump delivered a primetime address in mid-July.

Three-year delay before charges filed

The alleged false statements were made to Congress in 2023, yet the Justice Department waited three years to pursue the case before filing charges two weeks before midterm elections.

Judge rejects election-year timing

Faruqui noted the charges violated DOJ policy prohibiting timing any action to influence an election. He said: I will not bury my head in the sand and pretend I cannot read a calendar.

“I will not bury my head in the sand and pretend I cannot read a calendar.”

Prosecutors can still pursue the case

While Faruqui dismissed the case, prosecutors can go to a grand jury to try to secure an indictment or appeal his decision to the district's chief judge.