A Top US Attorney's Office Suffers Another Blow: A Deputy Fired for Refusing to Lead Comey Case
In a move that has added fuel to the controversy surrounding the eastern district of Virginia's US attorney office, Robert McBride, the deputy to Lindsey Halligan, has been let go. The decision comes after McBride declined to lead the prosecution against former FBI director James Comey, whose case was thrown out in November by US District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie.
According to sources familiar with the matter, McBride refused to take on important cases in the district and instead met privately with judges in an attempt to be appointed as the top prosecutor himself. This move was reportedly backed by top Justice Department officials. The decision has sparked further turmoil in the office, which has been plagued by controversy over its handling of high-profile cases involving Trump allies.
McBride's dismissal is just the latest in a string of firings at the office, which has seen at least four career prosecutors terminated over their resistance to bringing charges against Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The two cases have drawn criticism for what many see as an attempt by Halligan - a Trump ally installed by President Donald Trump - to weaponize the justice system to punish his political rivals.
The dismissal of McBride, who had been brought in late last year to serve as deputy to Halligan, raises further questions about the office's leadership and its ability to carry out its duties impartially. The Justice Department is currently appealing the ruling that Halligan was unlawfully appointed to her position, which could lead to a shake-up in the office.
As the controversy continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how this latest development will play out. One thing is clear, however: the eastern district of Virginia's US attorney office is facing significant challenges and uncertainties ahead.
In a move that has added fuel to the controversy surrounding the eastern district of Virginia's US attorney office, Robert McBride, the deputy to Lindsey Halligan, has been let go. The decision comes after McBride declined to lead the prosecution against former FBI director James Comey, whose case was thrown out in November by US District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie.
According to sources familiar with the matter, McBride refused to take on important cases in the district and instead met privately with judges in an attempt to be appointed as the top prosecutor himself. This move was reportedly backed by top Justice Department officials. The decision has sparked further turmoil in the office, which has been plagued by controversy over its handling of high-profile cases involving Trump allies.
McBride's dismissal is just the latest in a string of firings at the office, which has seen at least four career prosecutors terminated over their resistance to bringing charges against Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The two cases have drawn criticism for what many see as an attempt by Halligan - a Trump ally installed by President Donald Trump - to weaponize the justice system to punish his political rivals.
The dismissal of McBride, who had been brought in late last year to serve as deputy to Halligan, raises further questions about the office's leadership and its ability to carry out its duties impartially. The Justice Department is currently appealing the ruling that Halligan was unlawfully appointed to her position, which could lead to a shake-up in the office.
As the controversy continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how this latest development will play out. One thing is clear, however: the eastern district of Virginia's US attorney office is facing significant challenges and uncertainties ahead.