Mueller impanels grand jury in Russia probe
Mueller impanels grand jury in Russia probe, WSJ reports
Published August 03, 2017 Fox News
Special Counsel Robert Mueller has impaneled a grand jury to investigate Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
The move is seen as a sign the investigation into the Trump campaign is heating up and entering a new phase.
Russia has denied having a hand in the U.S. presidential election. President Trump, too, has strongly denied allegations of collusion and has frequently called the investigation a “witch hunt.”
Grand juries are powerful tools that allow prosecutors to subpoena documents and get witness testimony on the record.
Ty Cobb, special counsel to the president, told Fox News he wasn’t aware that Mueller had impaneled a new grand jury but that "we favor anything that brings this investigation to a swift conclusion."
Cobb told the Journal that, "Grand jury matters are typically secret."
“The White House favors anything that accelerates the conclusion of his work fairly… The White House is committed to fully cooperating with Mr. Mueller," he added.
Mueller was brought on as special counsel in May. Prior to his involvement, federal prosecutors reportedly had been using another grand jury, in Alexandria, Va., to help with their criminal investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn.
The Flynn case focuses on his work in the private sector on behalf of foreign interests.
Asked Thursday about the Journal report, the special counsel's office had no comment.
Trump and his allies have in recent weeks openly criticized Mueller, with one Republican lawmaker even calling for him to step aside.
Other lawmakers have responded with proposals that could serve to shield Mueller from being fired.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017...j-reports.html