Ukraine Drone and Missile Attack: Russia Launches Over 370 Drones and 21 Missiles on January 24
- "Last night, Russia massively attacked our regions - launched more than 370 attack drones and 21 missiles of various types.
- Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed David Weiss, the U.S.
- The investigation initially focused on Hunter Biden's business dealings and potential tax violations.
“Last night, Russia massively attacked our regions – launched more than 370 attack drones and 21 missiles of various types. Kyiv and the region, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions were under attack,”
hunter Biden Inquiry: David Weiss Granted Special Counsel Status
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Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware, as special counsel on Friday to continue investigating Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son. The appointment comes after a deal reached with Hunter Biden on gun charges collapsed in court on July 26, 2023, and following allegations from IRS whistleblowers regarding the handling of the investigation.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation initially focused on Hunter Biden’s business dealings and potential tax violations. IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, testified before Congress on July 19, 2023, alleging that the Department of Justice improperly interfered with the investigation.They claimed the DOJ slowed-walked the case and deviated from standard procedures. According to Shapley’s opening statement to the House Ways and Means Committee, he was told by a prosecutor that he was not allowed to follow the “conventional investigative steps” in the case.
The initial plea deal, announced July 24, 2023, involved Hunter Biden pleading guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and avoiding a felony gun charge. However, Judge Maryellen Noreika raised concerns about the scope of immunity offered in the agreement, particularly regarding potential future charges. The judge questioned whether the deal would prevent the prosecution of Hunter Biden on other charges, such as foreign lobbying.The deal ultimately fell apart during the hearing on July 26, 2023.
Weiss’s Appointment and Scope
Garland stated that Weiss requested special counsel status on August 11, 2023. In a statement released by the Department of justice, garland said, “I concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint a special counsel.”
“The matter is complex and requires long-term investigation. The public interest dictates that the matter proceed under the authority of a special counsel.” – Attorney General Merrick Garland, August 11, 2023
As special counsel, Weiss will have the authority to investigate Hunter Biden’s conduct, including:
- Alleged false statements made during the purchase of a firearm in 2018.
- Potential tax violations.
- Possible violations of foreign lobbying laws.
political Reactions
Republicans have criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the investigation, alleging a two-tiered justice system. Representative James Comer,Chairman of the House Oversight Committee,stated on August 11,2023,that the appointment of a special counsel is ”a necessary step” but that Congress will continue its own investigation.democrats have largely defended the Justice Department, arguing that the investigation has been conducted independently and professionally.
According to a statement released by the White House, President Biden said he supports Garland’s decision and respects the independence of the Department of Justice.
Source: Department of Justice Press Release
Source: Gary Shapley Opening Statement to house Ways and means Committee