This past weekend, election news was all about emails — again.
Emails that “may be pertinent” to the FBI’s closed investigation of Hillary Clinton’s personal email server have been discovered during an unrelated case, according to a letter FBI Director James Comey sent to members of Congress on Friday. These emails, which were discovered by federal law enforcement officials on the laptop of former congressman Anthony Weiner, will be reviewed to determine if they are connected to Clinton’s case.
Comey went on to say that the FBI is not sure if the emails are significant or how long the investigation will take.
FBI Director Comey, in letter to members of Congress, says FBI is investigating additional emails in Clinton private server case pic.twitter.com/Ue0qlhqT5w
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) October 28, 2016
“It’s pretty strange to put something like that out with such little information right before an election. In fact, it’s not just strange; it’s unprecedented, and it is deeply troubling,” Clinton said at a rally in Florida on Saturday, according to The New York Times.
FBI Director Comey, in letter to members of Congress, says FBI is investigating additional emails in Clinton private server case pic.twitter.com/Ue0qlhqT5w — Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) October 28, 2016
The emails were discovered during a new federal investigation into Weiner regarding allegations of an online sexual relationship with a minor. The emails that the FBI found on Weiner’s computer belong to Huma Abedin, one of Clinton’s top aides and Weiner’s estranged wife, according to USA Today.
Clinton was under investigation for her use of a personal server to send classified information during her time as secretary of state. This past July, Comey said he did not recommend charges against Clinton.
Several officials, including Sen. Harry Reid and former state attorneys general, have openly condemned the FBI director’s choice to release a “vague” statement so close to Election Day.
“Your actions in recent months have demonstrated a disturbing double standard for the treatment of sensitive information,” read the letter from Reid. He went on to grill the director for rushing to publish the information about Clinton, and argued Comey could have violated federal law with his actions. The Nevada senator also called for Comey to release information he had on Republican nominee Donald Trump’s relationship with the Russian government.
In letter to James Comey, Harry Reid accuses FBI director of breaking federal law. https://t.co/ZzeiRwLgHe pic.twitter.com/IVkzZGIuz3
— ABC News (@ABC) October 31, 2016
Comey said he felt obligated to make Congress aware of the newly opened probe, given the closed nature of the summer’s case, according to the New York Times. Both Trump and Clinton have utilized Twitter to voice their opinions about the announcement:
“The Director owes it to the American people to immediately provide the full details of what he is now examining.” https://t.co/WTjQMwALV9 — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 29, 2016
Yesterday, FBI Director Comey bowed to partisan pressure and released a vague and inappropriate letter to Congress. What you need to know: pic.twitter.com/E5Q8Mgp0h0
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 30, 2016
Hillary and the Dems loved and praised FBI Director Comey just a few days ago. Original evidence was overwhelming, should not have delayed! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 30, 2016
Wow, Twitter, Google and Facebook are burying the FBI criminal investigation of Clinton. Very dishonest media!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 30, 2016