From Seattletimes · · 1m 20s
Judge rejects Brennan's lawsuit over Justice Department records
Federal judge dismisses ex-CIA director John Brennan's claim that Justice Department must preserve records for potential criminal case.
In brief
Federal judge dismisses ex-CIA director John Brennan's claim that Justice Department must preserve records for potential criminal case. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb denied John Brennan's request to force Justice Department to save records that could prove his prosecution was politically motivated. Originally reported…
Judge rejects lawsuit
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb denied John Brennan's request to force Justice Department to preserve records for potential criminal case.
Brennan's legal claim
Brennan argued Justice Department's pattern of vindictiveness in pursuing him led to political vendetta against him.
Court's reasoning
Judge said Brennan's allegations were too speculative and he hadn't proven Justice Department was failing to preserve relevant records.
Brennan's background
Brennan was CIA director during Obama's final term and key figure in U.S. intelligence community's conclusion about Russian interference in 2016 election.
Current investigations
Brennan faces Justice Department investigations into false statements before House Judiciary Committee and conspiracy to keep Trump from power.
Defense position
Brennan's lawyer called the Justice Department's actions 'fiction' and said he'd never conceived of such a situation.
Next steps
Brennan's attorneys will challenge any criminal prosecution on grounds of vindictive prosecution if charges are filed.
At a glance
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb denied John Brennan's request to force Justice Department to save records that could prove his prosecution was politically motivated.
