Key facts
- An FBI agent testified that he feared a probe into former FBI officials accused of lying about Hunter Biden investigations would appear political.
- The case involves former senior counterintelligence officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides.
- The probe began after President Donald Trump directed an investigation into foreign meddling in the 2020 election.
- Judge Zia Faruqui criticized prosecutors for filing a new criminal complaint without judicial approval.
An FBI agent testified Tuesday that he feared a probe into two former senior bureau officials accused of lying to Congress about Hunter Biden investigations would appear political. FBI special agent Bryan Witt stated his concerns arose because the probe began in July, the day after President Donald Trump directed agencies to investigate foreign meddling in the 2020 election. Witt testified that FBI Director Kash Patel directed the investigation following Trump's address. The case against Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides, both former senior counterintelligence officials, is the latest brought by the Trump Justice Department to face claims of political bias. Prosecutors deny the case was brought for political reasons. US Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui criticized prosecutors for filing a new criminal complaint adding an obstruction charge without seeking judicial approval, stating it bolstered defense claims that the case was atypical and bizarre.