UPDATE 12:21 pm:
At Comey’s arraignment, Halligan uttered only two words: her name. As Lawrence O’Donnell memorably put it, she got that wrong. She forgot to register her appearance for the record by adding that she (purportedly) represented the United States. Comey’s pending motion will decide whether she, in effect, has been appearing in court as a private citizen.
Since that time, Halligan avoided repeating that mistake by having her assistants note her appearances in court for her. She was on track for another wordless appearance at the prosecution table until U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff prompted her to explain whether the full grand jury actually saw Comey’s final indictment.
The transcript reflects Halligan’s hesitancy and anxiety during the brief exchange. She interrupts the judge about his interpretation before admitting what she couldn’t deny:THE COURT: You can. Ms. Halligan, you can come to the podium. You’re counsel of record. You can address the Court. It might be easier. Good morning.
MS. HALLIGAN: Good morning.
THE COURT: So am I correct that, as is the usual —
MS. HALLIGAN: No, your honor.
THE COURT: — practice, that the grand jurors were not present, just the foreperson?
MS. HALLIGAN: The foreperson and another grand juror was also present, and Judge Vaala corrected the record in open court, and the foreperson said in open court, ‘We only no true billed Count One. We want to true bill Count Two and Three,’ and the foreperson signed that indictment.
THE COURT: I’m familiar with the transcript.
MS. HALLIGAN: Okay.
THE COURT: But I just wanted to make sure that the entire grand jury never had the opportunity to see the second indictment. You may sit down. Thank you.
All Rise News
UPDATE 11/21/2025: Oh, FFS...
That should be easy enough to confirm.
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