DOJ Deputy AG on Epstein Files, Don Lemon Case, and Georgia Election Raid

Epstein Files Release and DOJ Review

• ⚖️ The Department of Justice has reviewed the Epstein files and released over three and a half million documents, stating there was nothing in them that allowed for further prosecution.
• 🗣️ Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the release was ordered by Congress and the President, not performative.
• 🎯 He highlighted the DOJ's extensive efforts against sex traffickers and child pornographers, distinguishing this work from the Epstein file review.
• 💡 While civilian tips can initiate federal cases, the DOJ's review concluded no prosecutable information was found in the released Epstein files.

Don Lemon Arrest and First Amendment Concerns

• 📰 Regarding the arrest of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, Blanche clarified that an appeals court judge found probable cause for a crime.
• 🏛️ He explained that while a judge can reject an arrest warrant, only a grand jury can bring forth an indictment, which is what occurred.
• 🎤 Blanche argued that Lemon's actions, including surreptitiously avoiding revealing locations and being part of planning to disrupt, went beyond typical journalistic observation.
• ⚖️ He stated that balancing the Face Act, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press is complex, and Lemon's specific comments and actions during the event were problematic.

Georgia Election Center Raid

• 🗳️ The FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County, Georgia elections office to seize 2020 ballots, voter roles, and scanner images as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
• 🔍 Blanche confirmed the warrant was authorized by a federal magistrate judge and is related to election integrity efforts.
• ❓ He could not comment on specifics of the grand jury investigation but reiterated the DOJ's commitment to free and fair elections.
• 🤝 Regarding the presence of the Director of National Intelligence, Blanche stated she is an expert in election integrity and a partner in those efforts, not directly part of the grand jury investigation.