NEW YORK – Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling for a investigation into the firing of New York’s Southern District U.S. Attorney.
Initially, Attorney General William Barr said Attorney Geoffrey Berman was stepping down, but Berman said he had not resigned, leading Barr to say that President Trump had fired him.
“The real unanswered question here is why did the president and Mr. Barr do it? No reason was given why Mr. Berman was fired,” said Schumer speaking Sunday. “We need answers to those looming questions and the way to do it is a top to bottom investigation.”
“Specifically, a three-pronged investigation involves three entities,” furthered Schumer. “I am calling for a three-pronged investigation that involves three entities. First, the Judiciary Committee, second, the Office of Professional Responsibility at DOJ and third, the Inspector General’s office at DOJ.”
Berman served the Southern District of New York, where he investigated several of Trump’s associates.
Barr tried to oust him Friday, but Berman said he had no intention of resigning. He added that he had learned about his supposed resignation from a press release.
Berman said he wanted to continue his investigations until the senate confirmed his replacement.
Now, he’s unable to do that. Saturday evening, Berman announced he was leaving the office, effective immediately.
Deputy U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss will take over in an acting capacity.
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