On September 24th Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham released a letter from Attorney General William Barr and a declassified summary from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicating Christopher Steele’s Primary Sub-source was a likely Russian agent and had previously been the subject of an FBI counterintelligence investigation. In advance of former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony today, the question is: did Comey, Andrew McCabe or Bill Priestap know?
John Spiropoulos outlines the issue. WATCH:
Key takeaways from the FBI’s declassified summary:
- The Crossfire Hurricane team knew in December 2016 that Christopher Steele’s Primary Sub-source was an individual who the FBI had indicated in 2009 “could be a threat to national security.”
- In May 2009, Steele’s source reportedly attempted to recruit two individuals connected to an influential foreign policy advisor connected to President Obama, offering that if the two individuals “‘did get a job in the government and had access to classified information’ and wanted ‘to make a little extra money,’ [Steele’s source] knew some people to whom they could speak.”
- FBI databases revealed Steele’s source “had contact in 2006 with the Russian Embassy and known Russian intelligence officers, [including contacting a known Russian intelligence officer] ‘so the documents can be placed in tomorrow’s diplomatic pouch.’”
- One individual interviewed by the FBI noted that “the Primary Sub-source persistently asked about the interviewee’s knowledge of a particular military vessel.”
- Significantly, the “record documenting the closing of the investigation [of the Primary Sub-source] stated that consideration would be given to re-opening the investigation in the event that the Primary Sub-source returned to the United States.” (source)
(Conservative Treehouse, 9/30/2020) (Archive)
Some public responses to Comey’s testimony:
+ explain his past dealings with FBI + CIA. WHY IT MATTERS: Page’s support of CIA went a long way to explaining his Russia contacts + FISA Court SHOULD have been told before signing 4 warrants 4 a campaign aide. Knowingly misleading court can be criminal. READ @LindseyGrahamSC pic.twitter.com/4G2LzmLn73
— Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge) October 1, 2020
There are people who were around Comey who know he was briefed. And then directed action. https://t.co/rHctd53p9q
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) October 1, 2020
The full hearing: