Vocal critic of President Donald Trump — who was attacked by the President on Twitter this week — Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said news that the FBI conducted a predawn raid of Trump’s former campaign chairman’s home in July is “stunning” and a clear sign that a “serious crime” has occurred.
“Predawn raid on Manafort’s house is stunning— typical of serious criminal investigations dealing with uncooperative or untrusted targets,” Blumenthal said in a Twitter statement Thursday.
He said the raid “decimates” claims from Manafort that he has been cooperative with law enforcement and connects the former campaign manager to “criminal wrongdoing.”
“Federal judge signing warrant would demand persuasive evidence of probable cause that a serious crime has been committed,” he said. “This kind of raid — in early morning hours with no advance notice — shows astonishing and alarming distrust for President’s former campaign chairman.”
The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the FBI raided Manafort’s home on July 26 and obtained various records. Manafort had already been cooperating with the congressional investigations into Russia’s role in the 2016 campaign.
1/ Predawn raid on Manafort's house is stunning- typical of serious criminal investigations dealing w uncooperative or untrusted targets
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) August 9, 2017
2/ Fed judge signing warrant would demand persuasive evidence of probable cause that a serious crime has been committed
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) August 9, 2017
3/ This kind of raid- in early morning hours w no advance notice- shows astonishing & alarming distrust for Pres’s former campaign chairman
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) August 9, 2017
4/ Raid decimates Manafort's claim of cooperation with law enforcement– it reflects evidence connecting Manafort to criminal wrongdoing
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) August 9, 2017
5/5 Significant step reaffirms my reasons for urging a Special Counsel&redoubles my determination to protect investigation from interference
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) August 9, 2017
The noose is slooooowly beginning to tighten.
The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.
Gee really? Never would have figured that one out.
“To see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.”
– George Orwell
No. The senator, wisely, did not say that a serious crime has occurred. He said that, searching under a warrant was, " typical of serious criminal investigations dealing with uncooperative or untrusted targets." Very different. (Also, for what it’s worth, it was not the judge issuing the warrant who decided when it would be served. That was up to law enforcement.)