WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for former CIA Director John Brennan are urging the Justice Department to refrain from directing an ongoing investigation involving him and other former government officials to a 'favored' judge in Florida, specifically U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, known for previously dismissing classified documents charges against Donald Trump.
The request, submitted to U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga, emphasizes potential bias due to Cannon's favorable rulings during Trump's classified documents case. Brennan’s lawyers assert that the Justice Department is engaged in 'judge-shopping' and are seeking assurance that any litigation arising from this investigation will adhere to a fair selection process.
The investigation pertains to allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, for which Brennan has received subpoenas and reportedly been informed that he is a target. The attorneys express that the current setting of the Miami division for this grand jury does not justify the case being transferred to Cannon's division in Fort Pierce, asserting questions regarding why Florida was chosen as the venue in the first place.
Brennan's lawyers argue that the situation raises serious concerns about judicial integrity and impartiality, especially considering that the intelligence assessment central to the case was produced in D.C. They hope to prevent any manipulation of judicial proceedings that could unjustly favor Trump's administration.
