By — Eric Tucker, Associated Press Eric Tucker, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/judge-dismisses-charges-against-ex-fbi-agents-accused-of-lying-about-hunter-biden-citing-weaponization Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Judge dismisses charges against ex-FBI agents accused of lying about Hunter Biden, citing 'weaponization' Politics Nov 2, 2026 11:38 AM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Monday dismissed a criminal complaint against two former FBI officials accused of making false statements to Congress about Hunter Biden, saying the investigation that produced the charges was rushed, overtly political and dogged by "critical mistakes." "What has transpired here cannot be described as anything other than weaponization," U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said in a scathing ruling from the bench that dismissed the case against former officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. He noted that the investigation was opened a day after a primetime speech by…
Judge dismisses charges against ex-FBI agents accused of lying about Hunter Biden, citing 'weaponization'
In short
Former FBI officials Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides were cleared of criminal charges alleging they lied to Congress in 2023 regarding their knowledge of Hunter Biden's laptop. Judge Faruqui characterized the government's approach as rushed, overly political, and flawed, pointing to an amended complaint filed on the docket without required court clearance. Testimony also showed the investigation was closely monitored by FBI Director Kash Patel and initiated right after a speech by Donald Trump. Despite the dismissal, the Department of Justice may still attempt to pursue a formal grand jury indictment.
Key points
- The dismissal deals a sharp procedural setback to politicized prosecutions surrounding th…: The dismissal deals a sharp procedural setback to politicized prosecutions surrounding the 2020 Hunter Biden laptop inquiry.
- An FBI agent involved in the matter expressed internal concerns that the investigation wo…: An FBI agent involved in the matter expressed internal concerns that the investigation would appear overtly political.
- The Justice Department still maintains the legal authority to pursue a future grand jury…: The Justice Department still maintains the legal authority to pursue a future grand jury indictment against both former officials.