Hunter Biden Case: Added Charges Struck

Summary

Updated Oct 27, 7:59pm ET

A judge struck an unsigned filing adding obstruction charges against two former FBI officials in the Hunter Biden probe. The Justice Department had filed the overnight amended complaint against Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides, but Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said it lacked a signature and judicial approval. The original charges remain, accusing them of false statements to Congress in 2023 about FBI work involving Hunter Biden and his laptop. The case centers on the FBI’s former Foreign Influence Task Force, which became part of the fight over the laptop before the 2020 election. Prosecutors allege lies; the defendants deny wrongdoing. The preliminary hearing proceeded on the original allegations.

Left and right

From the left

Left-leaning outlets led with prosecutors overreaching through an unusual filing that ran into basic court limits. The Los Angeles Times emphasized the judge’s sharp rebuke of the handling of the case. The Boston Globe framed the prosecution as a politically charged action against former FBI officials. Raw Story focused on a weakened case, saying prosecutors had “watered down” claims before the hearing.

From the right

Right-leaning outlets stressed the alleged concealment first, then highlighted the government’s flawed attempt to expand the case. The Daily Mail cast the added charges as pressure on officials accused of a laptop “cover-up”. Fox News focused on the unsigned and unsworn filing that drew the judge’s criticism. The Washington Times emphasized concerns about politically motivated justice before the election.

Hunter Biden Case: Added Charges Struck

Summary

Left and right

From the left

From the right

Both sides, every morning

Articles

Left11

Center9

Right10

Topics

Also today