Judge dismisses case against 2 ex-FBI officials in Hunter Biden probe
Judge rejects the complaint
U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui dismissed the case on Monday. The complaint alleged that Floris and Benavides misled the House Judiciary Committee about whether they knew of government investigations surrounding Hunter Biden.
In an hour-long oral ruling, Faruqui said the complaint did not establish probable cause. He also said the case could erode public confidence in the Justice Department and described it as politically weaponized.
Questions over filing process
Faruqui had previously voiced anger about the department’s actions. It filed a superseding complaint against the two after midnight on the public court docket, without a signature or sworn statement. The judge said he had not reviewed that complaint to determine whether there was probable cause that a crime had been committed.
Officials leave courtroom
Floris and Benavides each faced one charge of lying to Congress. After the hearing, they embraced and cried outside the courtroom. Former FBI leaders were with them, including former Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll.
Key points
- Judge Zia Faruqui dismissed the entire case against Nicole Floris and Bradley Benavides.
- The two former FBI officials each faced one count of lying to Congress.
- Faruqui said the complaint lacked probable cause and criticized the Justice Department’s handling.
- The case concerned their alleged statements about investigations involving Hunter Biden.