Nation

Report: Prosecution of top officials ‘unlikely’ outcome of Durham probe

Published

2 years ago

February 2, 2021

While Special Counsel John Durham’s investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe is generally focused on the FBI’s activities, sources familiar with the investigation told Fox News the prosecution of high-ranking FBI officials, such as former Director James Comey, is “unlikely.”

In a report published Tuesday, Fox News reports that sources told the publication that the investigation is ongoing and that Durham last year concluded the part of his investigation looking into the CIA and he is now examining the FBI’s activities.

Additionally, another source told the news outlet that the special counsel had been pursuing “new and credible leads” through the end of the Trump administration, however, Fox News noted that it is unclear at this point what those lines of inquiry entail.

Moreover, a spokesperson for Durham told the outlet that they had “no comment from Mr. Durham.”

Durham’s probe is looking into the origins of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election as well as now-debunked collusion between Russian officials and the Trump campaign. Former President Donald Trump and conservatives have called Mueller’s yearlong probe a “witch hunt” and accused it of being motivated by anti-Trump animus.

Mueller’s investigation yielded no evidence that collusion occurred between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 election.

Tuesday’s report comes after the first and only criminal sentencing stemming from Durham’s investigation was issued last week.

Last Friday, Kevin Clinesmith, a former FBI lawyer, was sentenced to one year of probation and 400 hours of community service for altering an email during the Mueller’s investigation that was used as grounds for the surveillance of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page.

Previously, Comey has said that investigators have yet to reach out to him.

“I have had no contact with him and haven’t talked to him,” the former FBI director told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” back in August. “I can’t imagine that I’m a target.”

Last summer, Durham’s team also questioned former CIA Director John Brennan for about eight hours at the CIA headquarters. Brennan later said through a spokesman he was assured he was “not a target,” according to Fox News.

Back in December, Brennan told “Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace that he had no issue with Durham’s investigation extending into 2021 and also divulged briefly about the eight-hour session.

“I think that is fine, I have no problems with it,” the former CIA director said, adding that Durham’s team already talked with him for eight hours. “I do believe that John Durham is going to carry out his responsibilities ably and hopefully not with any political influence.”

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.

Featured

CBP Union SLAMS Mayorkas: ‘Of course, there is a crisis on the border’

Published

1 hour ago

March 29, 2023

Alexander Carter

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas filibustered his way around every question posed by lawmakers and refused to admit there is a crisis at the United States southern border when pressed by Senators.

In contrast, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Chief Raul Ortiz stated emphatically that the United States had “no operational control” of its border with Mexico when asked by House members at a border hearing earlier this month. Fox News contributor and Investigative columnist Sara Carter attended the House Homeland Security Committee’s field hearing in south Texas. At the hearing, Ortiz also said that the porous border “represents challenges, and in some areas, a crisis situation.”

Mayorkas’ refusal to admit what is happening at the border has many Border Patrol agents infuriated with the administration.

Vice President of the National Border Patrol Council Chris Cabrera told this reporter Wednesday, that Mayorkas’ refusal to answer wether or not there is a crisis is not only disingenuous but risks the safety of the U.S. and agents hired to protect the nation.

“He should be ashamed of himself for not answering,” said Cabrera. “Does he think that if he doesn’t answer, the problem isn’t there? Of course, there is a crisis on the border. We are seeing numbers higher that I have seen in my 21 years as an agent. Unfortunately, I don’t see this crisis going away anytime soon.”

Shortly after Ortiz spoke to lawmakers in early March, Carter, who was joined by Texas DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez, spoke on Sean Hannity’s radio show . Carter stated on Wednesday, that Mayorkas’ testimony directly contradicts Ortiz.

“It’s shameful how DHS Secretary Mayorkas lies to the public and lawmakers,” said Carter. “There is no doubt that there is a crisis at the Southern border and the situation is culminating into a national security crisis. More than 1 million known got-aways are in this country and we have no idea who they are and what their intentions might be. Terrorists have been apprehended at the border, children are dying that are being trafficked and our own children face a Fentanyl crisis, that is nothing short of poisoning and killing our citizens. Mayorkas needs to resign. He is a liar.”

No, @SecMayorkas, the spike in illegal immigration is because of your and President Biden's intentional neglect of border security. @tedcruz is right, your answer is outright laughable and a betrayal of your duties to the American people. #ImpeachMayorkas pic.twitter.com/9KRGBSIB2Q

— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) March 29, 2023

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas lashed out at Secretary Mayorkas’ handling of the border crisis.

“Mr. Secretary, I want to say to you right now, your behavior is disgraceful. And the deaths, the children assaulted, the children raped, they are at your feet. And if you had integrity, you would resign,” said Cruz.

The powerful Texas Senator continued to unleash on Mayorkas, “the men and women of the Border Patrol, they’ve never had a political leader undermine them. They despise you, Mr. Secretary, because you’re willing to let children be raped to follow political orders. This is a crisis. It’s a disgrace. And you won’t even admit this human tragedy as it is crisis.”

Asked if their are any new developments at the U.S. border with Mexico, Cabrera said, “we are experiencing an influx of Chinese Nationals.” He expressed that “the real issue is going to be the ending of Title 42. Does the agency have a plan in place for the removal of Title 42?”

SaraACarter.com reached out to the DHS’ Office of Public Affairs, MediaInquiry@hq.dhs.gov, asking if their is a plan in the works when title 42 comes to an end but has yet to receive a response.

You can follow Alexander Carter on Twitter @AlexCarterDC