Elissa Slotkin’s Attorney Urges DOJ to Conclude Social Video Investigation
An attorney representing Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin has formally requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to terminate an ongoing investigation. This inquiry involves a viral video that advised military personnel against following “illegal orders.” The request comes in the wake of a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., declining to indict Slotkin and five other Democratic lawmakers.
Attorney’s Request to End Investigation
Preet Bharara, a former federal prosecutor, penned a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeannie Pirro. In this correspondence, Bharara emphasized that the grand jury’s decision was unanimous and made clear that there was insufficient evidence to establish the low “probable cause” required for an indictment.
- The grand jury found no basis for charges against Slotkin or others.
- Bharara referred to ethical obligations and DOJ policies regarding the pursuit of cases without valid grounds.
Context of the Controversy
The contentious video, released in November, urged members of the military and intelligence communities to refuse unlawful orders. Slotkin and her colleagues asserted the importance of moral duty in their message, stating, “Now, more than ever, the American people need you.”
Contrarily, former President Donald Trump labeled the lawmakers’ actions as “seditious behavior” on his social media platform, raising the stakes surrounding the investigation.
Implications of the Grand Jury’s Decision
Bharara articulated that the grand jury’s verdict should prompt the DOJ to conclude its investigation. He argued that military personnel have a responsibility not to follow unlawful orders and emphasized that reminding them of this duty is not a criminal act.
In the letter, Bharara requested confirmation from the DOJ to officially close the matter by the end of business on Friday. He cautioned that pursuing further indictments could lead to claims of vindictive prosecution, given Trump’s comments and the lack of similar charges against other individuals for comparable actions.
Profile of Key Figures
The letter copied attorneys Carlton Davis and Steven Vandervelden, who previously attempted to prosecute this case. Both have backgrounds in legal and political realms:
- Carlton Davis: Worked with several Republican lawmakers and briefly served as a federal prosecutor.
- Steven Vandervelden: Previously a prosecutor in Westchester County, known for his investigative skills.
At this point, Pirro’s office has remained silent regarding the potential for a renewed indictment attempt.
As this situation develops, the focus remains on whether the Attorney General’s office will heed the request to put an end to the investigation involving Senator Elissa Slotkin.
