The seizure is reportedly part of a probe into former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election
According to the lawmaker, federal agents took Scott Perry’s phone from him (R-Pennsylvania), blasting his agency. “banana republic tactics”During an investigation of the 2020 Presidential Race.
Perry made the announcement in a Tuesday statement. “3 FBI agents visited me and seized my cell phone”While on holiday with his family.
“They made no attempt to contact my lawyer, who would have made arrangements for them to have my phone if that was their wish,”Perry added “I’m outraged – though not surprised – that the FBI under the direction of Merrick Garland’s DOJ, would seize the phone of a sitting Member of Congress.”
The FBI executed a search warrant against Perry soon after conducting a raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, reportedly as part of a probe into Trump’s handling of presidential documents, including classified material, which may have been brought to the Palm Beach facility.
It is unclear if these investigations are linked and FBI has not provided a reason for search warrant. However, Perry’s former Justice Department officials testified Perry played a significant role in the investigation. “an important role” in attempts to install Trump ally Jeffrey Clark as the acting attorney general soon after the 2020 race, in hopes he would back the then-president’s claims about mass election fraud.
According to a source cited by CNN, Perry’s phone was “imaged” by federal agents and returned to him later on Tuesday, noting that authorities would need a second warrant in order to access the device’s contents.
However, the lawmaker condemned the bureau. “banana republic tactics” – echoing rhetoric from other Republicans following the Mar-a-Lago raid on Monday – and an “unnecessary and aggressive action.”
“My phone contains info about my legislative and political activities, and personal/private discussions with my wife, family, constituents, and friends,”He said. “None of this is the government’s business.”
[ad_2]
