WASHINGTON — Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday announced he has appointed Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss as a special counsel in the investigation into President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.
Giving brief remarks, Garland said Weiss asked to be named special counsel earlier this week and he will have “ultimate authority” on matters related to Hunter Biden, including any decisions on charges.
“This appointment confirms my commitment to provide Mr. Weiss with all the resources he requests,” Garland said. “It also reaffirms that Mr. Weiss has the authority he needs to conduct a thorough investigation and to continue to take the steps he deems appropriate independently based only on the facts and the law.”
In a statement, the Justice Department said Weiss will be responsible for the “ongoing investigation” of Hunter Biden as well as “any other matters that arose or may arise from that investigation”.
Weiss was already overseeing the investigation of President Joe Biden’s son and is based in Delaware. Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to two federal misdemeanor counts for failing to pay taxes in 2017 and 2018. However, confusion arose over a separate gun charge.
U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, appointed by former president Donald Trump, expressed doubt about the terms of the deal reached between Biden’s team and Weiss. That led Biden to plead not guilty instead.
According to court filings, talks between the Justice Department and Biden’s team have “reached an impasse” and the case heading to trial is the most likely option.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
