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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more U. S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s unsuccessful effort to indict several Democratic lawmakers has been called “stunning” by a former prosecutor from the D. C. office, as reported recently. A grand jury turned down federal prosecutors’ bid for an indictment against Democratic lawmakers who created a video asking military and intelligence members to refuse illegal orders, according to multiple media sources like The New York Times and Politico. The video was released in November and sparked outrage from President Donald Trump and his supporters. On Truth Social, Trump claimed these lawmakers were engaging in “seditious behavior” and demanded their arrest. At one point, he even wrote: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” The U. S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D. C., led by Pirro, reportedly sought this indictment. A former prosecutor who once worked there told Politico Magazine that it’s “stunning” for a grand jury to completely dismiss an indictment. “The rules are skewed so heavily in favor of the prosecutor that it’s almost comical. But the public is essentially saying, ‘We do not trust you. We are skeptical of you,’” they said. U. S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro reportedly failed to secure indictments against Democratic lawmakers who made a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders last year (AFP via Getty Images) The former prosecutor described today’s Washington office as having a “hollowed-out core of increasingly inexperienced and overworked D. C. [assistant U. S. attorneys] spending their time reviewing the [Jeffrey] Epstein files and wondering what their ‘red line’ for resignation is.” “I think good cases aren’t being brought because people are either afraid or lack bandwidth. D. C. had one of the most prestigious U. S. Attorney’s offices in the country, and seeing it become a shadow of itself within just a year is sad,” they shared with Politico Magazine. Pirro mentioned to Politico Magazine that her duty is to “follow the law.” “Our system of justice allows grand juries and trial juries to review evidence and make their own decisions; that’s their function; that’s how this system works,” she stated. “All victims matter to us. We are about following legal procedures; outside passions-political or otherwise-are irrelevant.” The Independent has reached out to the U. S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D. C., for comment. After learning about this failed indictment attempt, Democratic lawmakers involved in the video criticized Trump’s administration. Senator Mark Kelly-a former NASA astronaut and retired U. S Navy Captain featured in that video-said that “the most patriotic thing any of us can do is not back down.” Senator Elissa Slotkin-a former CIA analyst also present in that video-expressed hope that this rejection would finally put an end to this politicized investigation. This isn’t Pirro’s first instance where her office struggled with high-profile indictments. Last year her office attempted but failed at bringing felony charges against someone accused of throwing a sandwich at a federal agent; this case gained national attention leading him being nicknamed “Sandwich Guy.” The charge was later reduced, resulting in a jury finding him not guilty of misdemeanor assault.Source link
