By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER, Related Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Division has opened a legal investigation into former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo after congressional Republicans beneficial that he be charged with mendacity over his dealing with of the COVID-19 pandemic, an individual conversant in the matter mentioned Tuesday.
The U.S. lawyer’s workplace in Washington launched the investigation shortly after Rep. James Comer, Republican chairman of the Home Committee on Oversight and Authorities Reform, requested the Justice Division to prosecute Cuomo over statements he made to the committee investigating his administration of the pandemic when the virus was spreading by way of nursing properties, the individual mentioned. They spoke on the situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t licensed to publicly talk about an ongoing investigation.
A spokesperson for Cuomo mentioned Tuesday that the previous governor was by no means knowledgeable of any such investigation. Cuomo is presently operating for mayor of New York Metropolis.
“So why would somebody leak it now? The reply is apparent: That is lawfare and election interference plain and easy — one thing President Trump and his prime Division of Justice officers say they’re towards,” Cuomo spokesperson Wealthy Azzopardi mentioned in an electronic mail.
The investigation was first reported Tuesday by The New York Occasions. The Justice Division declined Tuesday to remark. Spokespeople for the U.S. lawyer’s workplace in Washington didn’t instantly reply to messages looking for remark.
Initially Revealed:
