Special Counsel Says Biden ‘Willfully Retained and Disclosed’ Classified Info — But Still Says Charges Not ‘Warranted’
Special Counsel Robert Hur has concluded his months-long investigation into President Joe Biden's alleged mishandling of classified documents and has determined that no criminal charges are warranted.
The report, released today, states that even if Department of Justice policy did not prevent the filing of charges against a sitting president, the evidence does not support such action.
The investigation centered around Biden's retention of classified records, including documents related to military and foreign policy in Afghanistan, as well as other sensitive national security and foreign policy materials. The report acknowledges that these records implicated "sensitive intelligence sources and methods."
In a notable comment in the Special Council report, it described President Biden as a "sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory."
The report suggests that if the case were to go to trial, Biden would likely present himself to a jury in the same manner he did during the interview with the special counsel. Hur believes that jurors would find it difficult to convict the former president, who is now in his eighties, of a serious felony that requires a mental state of willfulness.
However, the investigation did uncover evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen. These materials included marked classified documents related to military and foreign policy in Afghanistan, as well as notebooks containing handwritten entries about national security and foreign policy matters involving sensitive intelligence sources and methods.
"He did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended ("if it was 2013 - when did I stop being Vice President?) and forgetting on the second day of the interview when his term began,” from the Special Council report.
FBI agents recovered these materials from various locations in Biden's Wilmington, Delaware home, such as garages, offices, and the basement den. Despite the discovery of these materials, the evidence does not establish President Biden's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the report.
READ MORE:
PRESIDENT BIDEN'S CRUSADE AGAINST "BIG CHOCOLATE" RAISES ADDITIONAL CONCERNS ABOUT HIS COMPETENCE
PRESIDENT BIDEN'S CALL FOR FEE-FREE FAMILY SEATING ON AIRLINES RAISES QUESTIONS
The release of the special counsel's report comes as a relief to the Biden administration, which has faced scrutiny and speculation over the handling of classified documents. With the conclusion of this investigation, the president can now focus on his policy agenda and the pressing issues facing the nation.
Critics, however, argue that the report fails to address the seriousness of the allegations against President Biden. They contend that mishandling classified documents is a grave offense and should be treated as such, regardless of the individual's age or perceived sympathy. The decision not to pursue criminal charges has sparked debate and further divided opinions on the matter.
Are you enjoying THE LOBBY? Our stories are only possible because of generous contributions from our readers. Please consider chipping in today. Thank you!